Ch 12 Problem Solving & Creativity Flashcards
Problem
An situation in which there is an obstacle between a present state and a goal state and it is not immediately obvious how to get around the obstacle.
Gestalt approach
How people represent a problem in their mind
How solving a problem involves a reorganization or restructuring of this representation
Representing in the mind
Different strategies of solving problems
Restructuring
The process of changing a problem’s representation. According to gestalt psychologist, restructuring is the key mechanism of problem solving.
Insight
Sudden realization of a problem’s solution
Analytically based problem
Problem that is solved by a process of systematic analysis, often using techniques based on past experience.
Fixation
People’s tendency to focus on a specific characteristic of the problem that keeps them from arriving at a solution.
Mental set
A preconceived notion about how to approach a problem based on a persons experience or what has worked in the past.
Water jug problem
A problem, first described by luchins, that illustrates how mental set can influence the strategies that people use to solve a problem.
Gestalt contribution
That problems solving depends on how problem is represented in the mind of one the enduring contributions of gestalt.
Tower of Hanoi problem
A problem involving moving discs from one set of pegs to another. It has been used to illustrate the process involved in means-end analysis
Initial state
Problem solving, the conditions at the beginning of a problem
Goal state
The condition that occurs when a problem has been solved.
Operators
Permissible moves that can be made toward a problems solution
Intermediate state
The various conditions that exist along the pathways between the initial and goal state.
Problem space
The initial state, goal state, and all the possible intermediate states for a particular problem.
Means-ends analysis
Which is the setting of subgoals to reach an outcome. Sometimes it requires a step back, however, looking slightly ahead often results in an efficient solution to a problem.
Analogical transfer
The process of connecting between similar problems and applying the solution from problem to another.
Analogy
Making a comparison in order to show a similarity between two different things.
Analogical problem solving
The use of analogies as an aid to solving problems. Typically, a solution to one problem, the source problem, is presented that is analogous to the solution to another problem, the target problem.
Analogical transfer
Transferring experience in solving one problem to the solution of another similar problem.
Target problem
A problem to be solved. In Analogical problem solving, solution of this problem can become easier when the problem -solver is exposed to analogous source problem or story.
Source problem
A problem or story that is analogous to the target problem and which therefore provides information that can lead to a solution to the target problem.
Radiation problem
A problem posed by Duncker that involves finding a way to destroy a tumor by radiation without damaging other organs in the body. This problem has been widely used to study the role of analogy in problem solving.
Analogies exposure
Even when exposed to analogous problem m, most people will not connect between source problem.
Analogical problem solving
Noticing that there are analogous relationships
Mapping the correspondence between the source problem and target problem
applying the mapping to generate a parallel solution to the target problem
Analogical encoding
A technique in which people compare two problems that illustrate a principle. This technique is designed to help people discover similar structural features of cases or problems.
Trade-off strategy
A negotiating strategy in which one person says to another, “I’ll give you A, if you’ll give me B.”
Contingency strategy
A negotiating strategy in which a person gets what he or she wants if something else happens.
Analogical paradox
People find it difficult to apply analogies in laboratory settings, but routinely use them in real-world settings.
Im vivo problem-solving research
Observing people to determine how they solve problems in real-world situations. This technique has been used to study the use of analogy in a number of different settings.
Experts
Person who, by devoting a large amount of time to learning about a field and practicing and applying learning, has become acknowledged as being extremely skilled or knowledgable in that field.
Expert organization
Have more knowledge about a certain field
Experts organized based on principles
Experts are slow at first but later it they exceed at problem solving
Divergent thinking
Thinking that is open-ended, involving a large number of potential solutions.
Creating problem solving
Involves a lengthy period of trial and error development to turn the idea into a useful device.
Group brainstorming
When people in a problem-solving group are encouraged to express whatever ideas come to mind, without censorship.
Creative cognition
A technique developed by Finke to train people to think creatively.
Preinventive forms
Objects created in Finke’s “creative cognition” experiment that precede the creation of a finished creative product. Sled, lawn lounger
Nine dot problem
A problem involving nine dots, arranged in a square pattern, in which the task is to draw four straight lines that pass through all nine dots without lifting the pen
Transcranial direct current stimulation
A procedure for stimulating the brain in which two electrodes, which are connected to a battery-powered device that delivers direct current, are placed on a persons head.
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
An electrical response recorded from the next scalp using disc electrodes.
Compound remote associate problems
A problem in which three words are presented, and task is to determine one word that when combined with each of these words form a new record phrase.
Incubation
The phenomenon of getting ideas after taking a “time-out” from working on a problem.
Alternate uses task
A task used to asses creativity, in which the person’s task is to think unusual uses for an object. Also called the unusual uses task.
Executive control network
A brain network that is involved in directing attention as a person is carrying out tasks.
Volitional daydreaming
The act of consciously choosing to disengage from external tasks in order to pursue an internal stream of thought that might have positive outcomes.
Mindfulness
Paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and no judgementally, to the unfolding of experience moment ent to moment.
Meditation
A number of different practices for controlling the mind. See focused attention (FA) Meditation; open monitoring meditation.
Open monitoring (OM) meditation
A type of meditation that involves paying attention to whatever comes into the mind, and to follow this though until something els comes along.
