Analysis operates on the principle of reducing differences between the goal state and problem givens. Consequently, means-ends analysis may be rendered inoperable by redefining the problem goal so that no obvious goal exists (for example, "find what you can"). This is the principle behind the generation of goal free problems.
If problems are "goal free" then a problem solver has little option but to focus on the information provided (the given data) and to use it where ever possible. This automatically induces a forwards working solution path similar to that generated by expert problem solvers. Such forward working solutions impose very low levels of cognitive load and facilitate learning (Owen and Sweller, 1985; Ayres, 1993)