Ch. 12 - Problem Solving Flashcards
Problem solving
Cognitive process involving recognizing problem, analyzing, solving, verifying effectiveness of solution
Problem
Occurs when there is an obstacle between inital state and goal state without an immediate solution
Mental process of problem solving
- Understand problem by processing necessary info
- Find steps to solve the problem by generating several solutions
Problem solving cycle
- Recognize problem
- Define problem mentally
- Develop solution strategy
- Organize knowledge on problem
- Allocate resources to solve problem
- Monitor progress
- Evaluate solution accuracy
Initial state
Initial situation or starting point of a problem
Goal state
Desired final state/ending situation
Operators
Actions that transform the current problem state into another problem state
Well-defined problems
Problem that has a specific goal state, clearly defined solutions, and clearly expected solutions
Algorithms
Step-by-step procedure that should always produce a correct solution
Ill-defined problem
Problem that does not have clear goal states, solution paths, expected solutions
Reproductive process
Behaviorist process of problem solving that uses knowledge from past experiences and uses a trial and error strategy to work out solutions
Law of Effect
Thorndike: Response that produces a satisfying effect will be more likely to occur again in that situation, and vise versa.
Law of effect study
Cat in a puzzle box, trying to escape. Over time, it got quicker and quicker. Any response not producing a satisfying effect becomes weaker, vise versa.
Productive process
Gestalt process of problem solving that occurs when thinking is characterized by the restructuring of information in such a way as to provide a solution. Insight producing.
Working backwards
Heuristic in which you begin solving a problem by focusing on the end result
Means-end analysis
Heuristic in which you create sub-goals as you move closer to the final goal state
Barriers to problem solving
Finding what is relevant to the task at hand
Functional fixedness
Functional fixedness
Tendency to view objects only for their intended purpose because of prior experience with that object
Functional fixedness experiment
Maier. Two ropes hanging from ceiling, tie them together
Insight problem
Problem in which solution occurs suddenly in consciousness. People are not conscious of potential hints when solving insight problems.
Non-insight problem
Problem distinguished by the process of consciously working through each step of a problem for a solution
Study on insight/non-insight problems
Participants were given insight and non-insight problems. People felt that they were getting closer to solving the problem with non-insight problems, but not with insight problems.
Divergent thinking
Thought process that could generate many solutions to a problem in order to determine that one works well enough to consider the problem solved
Sternberg’s triarchic theory of human intelligence
Three facets of human intelligence: analytical (academic problem-solving), practical (understanding/dealing with everyday tasks), creative (developing/applying ideas, creating solutions).
Positive relationship between problem solving and creativity
Ideational fluency
Measure where the number of ideas a person can generate about a particular topic or item is used to asses their creativity
Candle problem
Matchbox, thumbtacks, candle.
Nine-dot problem
Maier 1930. Connect a 3x3 matrix of dots with four lines. Lines had to be formed outside the box
Mental set
Tendency to use solutions that have worked in the past, tendency to respond in a set/given way
Mental set study
Luchins gave water jug problems for people to solve. Those given simpler problems first gave simpler solutions. Those given tough problems used the tough solutions on simpler problems. Inflexible thinking.
Expertise vs novices in problem solving.
- Experts are better at solving problems. Know how to distinguish relevant info, more able to reason, remember, solve. More automatic.
- Novices have creative thinking.
