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At least two theoretical positions strongly suggest that intelligence and problem solving are related. First, the ability to solve problems features prominent in almost every definition of human “intelligence;” thus, problem-solving capacity is viewed as one component of intelligence. Second, intelligence is often assumed to be a predictor of problem-solving ability. Our main goal in this chapter is to review to what extent the ability to solve complex, rather than simple laboratory, problems is indeed tied, empirically, to intelligence, and, which causal direction holds between the two concepts. The chapter is divided into three main sections. In the first section, …

The assumption that positive affect leads to a better performance in various cognitive tasks has become well established. We investigate whether positive and negative emotions influence performance and strategies in complex problem solving. 74 male and female university students were tested in an experiment, using feedback-induced emotions and a computer-simulated scenario. Contrary to what has been expected, emotions did not affect success in scenario control. However, participants with negative emotions did show more information-oriented strategies in the scenario. We further tested whether control beliefs as a trait influence scenario control and moderate the relation between emotions and complex problem solving. …