Chapter 12 Flashcards
problems
- occurs when there is an obstacle between the present state and the goal state (Ducker, 1945)
- problems are challenging since the solution is not immediately obvious
gestalt approach to problem solving
the likelihood of solving a problem is influenced by how the problem is represented in the mind
restructuring
- changing how the problem is represented
- a key mechanism of problem solving
insight
is the sudden realization of a problems solution
insight problem
problem is solved suddenly
non insight problem
problem is solved gradually
analytically based problems
problem that is solved by a process of systematic analysis, often using techniques based on past experience
functional fixedness
- continue to think of an object in its intended purpose/way inhibits the person’s ability to use the object for a different function
- e.g. dunkers candle problem & maiers two-string problem
Dunckers candle problem
- place three candles at eye level on the door. You have candles, box of matches, tacks
- difficult to solve because it involves using the match box as something other than a box that holds matches
- matchbox is meant to be emptied and used as a shelf on the wall for the candles
Maiers two-string problem
- a person is given the task of attaching two strings together that are too far apart to be reached at the same time
- participants needed to tie the pliers to one of the strings to create a pendulum, which could then be swung to within the person’s reach
mental set
- a predetermined idea about how to approach a problem based on one’s experience
- mental set can be an obstacle to problem solving
- e.g. luchins water jug problem
information-processing approach
- Newell and Simon proposes that problem solving involves moving through a problem space which consists of:
1. initial state
2. intermediate state
3. goal state - also consists of operators and means-end analysis
initial state
conditions at the start of a problem
intermediate state
conditions that exist along the pathways between the initial and goal state
goal state
solution to the problem
operators
actions governed by rules that move the problem from one state to another
means-end analysis
- a problem solving strategy of eliminating differences between the initial state and goal state via subgoals
- the goal in applying the means-end analysis to the Tower of Hanoi Problem is to reduce the size of the difference between initial and goal states