Chapter 12 - Problem Solving Flashcards
Analogical problem solving
comparing two problems to identify similarities between them that might reveal a common solution
Analogical transfer
applying the solution from a source problem to a target problem
Convergent thinking
more focused, involves finding a solution to a specific problem that usually has a correct answer
Design fixation
presenting a sample design influences the creation of new designs
Divergent thinking
open-ended, involves many potential solutions and perhaps no “correct” answer
Functional fixedness
tendency to restrict thinking about the use of an object to its familiar functions
Ill-defined problem
a problem in which it is difficult to specify a clear goal state
Incubation effect
improved problem-solving performance after a delay during with the problem is temporarily set aside
Insight
sudden realization of the solution to a problem
Means-end analysis
problem-solving strategy that seeks to reduce the difference between the initial and goal states
Mental set
a preconceived notion about how to solve a problem, based on experience or what has worked in the past
Operators
rule-governed actions that take the problem form one state to another
Problem
a situation in which there is an obstacle between an initial state and a goal state, and it is not immediately obvious how to get around the obstacle
Problem space
initial state, goal state, and all possible intermediate states for a problem
Remote associates task
find a word that can be added to each of three words to make compound words
