Chapter 11: Problem Solving Flashcards
Problem
Obstacle between the present state & a desired goal state and solution is not immediate
Well-defined Problems
Usually have a single correct answer and certain procedures will lead to solution eg. math
Gestalt Approach to Problem Solving
emphasizes that problem-solving involves restructuring perception of the problem, rather than simply applying algorithms or rules; solving a problem requires a sudden insight or “Aha!” moment, often achieved by perceiving the problem’s structure in a new way
Ill-defined Problems
No one “correct” answer and path to solution is unclear eg. college major choice
Fixation
a tendency to focus on a specific characteristic of the
problem that prevents consideration of other possibilities that would lead to a solution
Functional Fixedness
restricting use of an object to its familiar functions; hinders problem-solving by limiting people to only seeing objects in their usual, intended use
The Candle Problem
experiment designed to demonstrate the concept of functional fixedness; reveals how people tend to fixate on the typical, familiar use of an object; people tend to see the box of thumbtacks only as a container, limiting their ability to use it as a support or a platform to hold the candle
Two String Problem
challenges people to tie two strings together that are hanging from the ceiling, but are too far apart to reach. The solution requires recognizing and using an object in the room (hammer or pliers) as a weight to swing one string and capture the other demonstrating insight and overcoming functional fixedness
Mental Set
cognitive bias where individuals tend to approach problems using methods that have been successful in the past, even if it’s not the most effective approach for the current problem (fixation)
Information-Processing Approach
explains problem-solving by likening the human mind to a computer, focusing on how information is received, processed, stored, and retrieved to solve problems
Water Jug Problem
the experiment shows how mental sets can hinder the solving of novel problems; people used methods that they had used previously to find the solution even though there were quicker and more efficient methods available.
Initial State vs Goal State
- conditions at the beginning of the problem
- desired state; the solution to the problem
Intermediate States
refer to the various situations or steps a problem-solver navigates between the initial problem state and the final goal state
Operators
refer to the possible actions or rules or steps that a problem solver can apply to a current state to reach a desired goal state
Problem Space
the area or framework where you explore and define the problem before attempting to find a solution. It involves understanding the problem’s context, customer needs, and the various challenges involved
Means-end analysis
problem-solving strategy where you identify differences between your current state and the goal state, then create subgoals to eliminate those differences
Subgoals
intermediary goals or objectives that learners break down a larger problem into to make it more manageable and easier to solve
Acrobat Problem
highlights the role of mental set and functional fixedness in problem-solving demonstrating how individuals often get “stuck” in a particular way of thinking or interpreting a problem, hindering them from finding the solution
Think-Aloud Protocol
research method in cognitive psychology where participants verbalize their thoughts while performing a task, providing insights into their cognitive processes
Analogical Problem Solving
process of using solutions to similar problems, known as “analogies,” to solve new problems by identifying similarities between a new problem and a previously solved one, and then applying the solution
Surface features
Specific elements that make up the problem (e.g, radiation rays, armies)
Analogical Transfer
the ability to apply knowledge or solutions from one situation to a new, related situation, even when the surface features of the two situations differ significantly
Duncker’s Radiation Problem
involves finding a way to use radiation to destroy a tumor without damaging the surrounding healthy tissue. The problem highlights how mental habits and fixed perspectives can hinder creative problem-solving
Analogical encoding
a process where individuals learn and transfer knowledge by explicitly comparing two situations that share a common structure, even if the surface features are different
Structural features
Underlying principle that governs the solution (e.g.,
approaching from many directions)
Analogical paradox
describes the surprising discrepancy between how easily we use analogies in everyday life and how difficult they are to demonstrate in laboratory settings
Vivo problem-solving research
studying problem-solving processes and strategies in real-world, naturalistic settings rather than in highly controlled laboratory environments
Convergent thinking
a process focused on finding a single, well-defined solution to a problem, often using logic and reasoning
Creativity
viewed as a crucial aspect of problem-solving, involving the generation of novel and useful ideas to address challenges
Divergent thinking
a thought process focused on generating a wide variety of ideas and solutions to a problem, often involving creativity and exploring multiple possibilities
Alternative use task
A divergent thinking test where you name as many uses as possible for a common object (like a brick). It’s used to measure creativity
Executive control network (ECN)
plays a crucial role in problem-solving by facilitating top-down cognitive control, including attentional control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility enabling us to adapt our behaviour, make flexible choices, and adjust to changing environments.
ECN and DMN in creativity
Creativity often involves interaction between the two: DMN generates ideas (divergent thinking), and ECN helps refine and evaluate them (convergent thinking). So, effective creativity blends imagination and control.
