The correspondence between the target and source problems. 

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Gick and Holyoak propose that there are 3 steps in analogical problem solving:
- Noticing
- Mapping
- Applying

Steps in analogical problem solving

Goldstein, E. B. (2014). Cognitive psychology: Connecting mind, research and everyday experience. Nelson Education.


Recognizing there is a relationship between a source problem and target problem. Considered the most difficult step in analogical problem solving.

Using the mapping to come up with a parallel solution to the target problem.