4.2 Problem Solving and Decision -Making

Question 1

Problem Solving

Answer 1

requires identification and understanding of the problem, generation of potential solutions, testing of potential solutions, and eval of results

Question 2

Mental set

Answer 2

pattern of approach for a given problem. An inappropriate mental set may negatively impact problem solving

Question 3

Functional fixedness

Answer 3

tendency to use objects only in the way they are normally utilized, which may create barriers to problem solving

Question 4

Types of Problem Solving

Answer 4

• Trial-and-error
• Algorithms
• Deductive (top-down) reasoning
• Inductive (bottom-up) reasoning

Question 5

Heuristics

Answer 5

shortcuts or rules of thumb used to make decisions, can lead us astray but are essential to speedy and effective decision-making

Question 6

Availability heuristics

Answer 6

a shortcut in decision-making that relies on the info that is most readily available, rather than the total body of info on a subject.

Question 7

Representativeness heuristics

Answer 7

categorizing items on the basis of whether they fit the prototypical, stereotypical, or representative image of the category

Question 8

Biases

Answer 8

when an experimenter or decision maker is unable to objectively evaluate info

Question 9

Confirmation bias

Answer 9

tendency to focus on info that fits an indiv’s beliefs, while rejecting info that goes against them

Question 10

Overconfidence

Answer 10

tendency to erroneously interpret one’s decisions, knowledge, and beliefs as infallible

Question 11

Belief perseverance

Answer 11

inability to reject a particular belief despite clear evidence to the contrary

Question 12

Recognition-primed decision model

Answer 12

decision-making model in which experience and recognition of similar situations one has already experienced play a large role in decision-making and actions; also one of the explanations for the experience of intuition

Question 13

Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences

Answer 13

proposes 7 areas of intelligence: linguistic, logical-mathematical, musical, visual-spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, and intrapersonal

Question 14

Intelligence quotient (IQ)

Answer 14

underlying variable of intelligence, measured with standardized tests
IQ = 100 (mental age/chornological age)