The conceptualization of clinical problem solving which is described attempts to clarify and quantify the nature of clinical decision making independent of content, and centers around the clinical encounter and preceptor. The Inquiry Theory is described from three perspectives: (l) as a set of statements about clinical problem solving, (2) as a set of computer programs that can simulate and predict the important aspects of the clinical encounter and preceptor instruction, and (3) as a set of behaviors exhibited by the computer system as it simulates particular environments. The technique was developed at Michigan State University through the use of observational studies and computer simulation studies in medicine, reading, and other fields. Examples of how the programmed version of the Inquiry Theory--the Basic Management Information System--simulates a case, a clinician, and a preceptor are provided, and the nature of Inquiry Theory predictions is discussed. A bibliography is included. (Author/JEG)