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Cognitive Psych > Chapter 12-Problem Solving And Creativity > Flashcards

Chapter 12-Problem Solving And Creativity Flashcards

1
Q

Problem

A

An obstacle between a present state and a goal

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2
Q

Gestalt Approach

A

Representing a problem in the mind

Restructuring: changes the problems representation

Kohler’s “circle” problem

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3
Q

Insight in problem solving

A

Sudden realization of a problems solution

Often requires restructuring the problem

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4
Q

Metcalfe and Wiebe

A

Insight: triangle and chain problem

Noninsight: algebra

Warmth judgements every 15 seconds

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5
Q

Metcalfe and Wiebe results

A

Insight problems solved suddenly (produced a greater “don’t know” in beginning)

Noninsight problems solved gradually

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6
Q

Obstacles to problem solving

A

Functional fixedness

Mental set

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7
Q

Functional fixedness

A

Restricting use of an object to its familiar function

Candle problem: seeing boxes as containers inhibited using them as supports

Two string problem: function of pliers gets in the way of seeing them as a weight

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8
Q

Mental set

A

A preconceived notion about how to approach a problem

Based on a person’s past experiences with the problem (or similar problems)

E.g. water jug problem: given mental set inhibited participants from using a simpler solution

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9
Q

Information processing approach

A

Newell and Simon

Problem space: (involves SEARCH)

  • initial state
  • intermediate states
  • goal state
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10
Q

Operators

A

Tower of Hanoi

Actions taking the problem from one state to another.

There are rules that specify which moves are allowed and which are not

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11
Q

Means-end analysis

A

Reduce differences between initial and goal states

Subgoals: create intermediate states closer to goal

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12
Q

The importance of how a problem is stated: mutilated-checkerboard problem

A

Conditions differed in how much information was provided about the squares

Easier to solve when information is provided that points toward the correct representation of the problem

Butter-bread condition easiest, blank condition hardest

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13
Q

Think-aloud protocol

A

Used in checkerboard experiment

  • Say aloud what one is thinking
  • shift in how one perceives elements of a problem
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14
Q

Analogical Problem Solving

A

Using a solution to a similar problem guides solution to new problem

  • Russian marriage problem (source problem)
  • mutilated checkerboard problem (target problem)
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15
Q

Analogical transfer

A

The transfer from one problem to another

Source problem to target problem

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16
Q

Gick and Holyoak-analogical transfer

A

Notice relationship

Mapping correspondence between source and target

Applying mapping

17
Q

Surface features versus structural features

A

Surface features are perceptual

Structural features go beyond perceptual (underlying methods)

Surface features get in the way whereas structural features must be used

18
Q

Duncker’s radiation problem

A

Radiation and fortress story have same structural features, but different surface features

Can apply fortress solution to radiation problem to solve it

19
Q

Lightbulb problem

A

Regular version: High surface similarities (laser and Ray) aid analogical problem solving

80% participants knew radiation problem can solve lightbulb problem

30% participants knew fortress problem can solve lightbulb problem

Insufficient intensity version: making structural features more obvious aids analogical problem solving

Participants who read fragile-glass version of light bulb problem can transfer to radiation problem (80%) but participants who read insufficient intensity version cannot transfer to radiation problem (10%)

20
Q

Analogical Encoding

A

Comparing two cases that illustrate a principle (structure)

  • negotiation solutions (trade off and contingency)
  • one compared two cases using trade off solution and the other compared two cases using contingency
  • when given a new case, they used their original solution to solve the new problem
21
Q

Analogical paradox

A

It can be difficult to apply analogies in the laboratory, but people routinely use analogies in real world settings

22
Q

In vivo problem solving research

A

People are observed to determine how they solve problems in the real world

Advantages: naturalistic setting

Disadvantages: time consuming, cannot isolate and control variables

23
Q

How experts solve problems

A
  • solve problems in their field faster and with a higher success rate than beginners
  • possess more knowledge about their fields

Knowledge is organized so it can be accessed when needed to work on a problem

Novice: surface features
Expert: structural features

  • Experts spend more time analyzing problems
  • are no better than novices when given problems outside of their field
  • less likely to be open to new ways of looking at problems (checkers)
24
Q

Creativity

A
  • innovative thinking
  • novel ideas
  • new connections between existing ideas
  • divergent thinking: open-ended; large number of potential “solutions”
25
Q

Design fixation

A
  • fixated on what not to do as demonstrated by sample
  • fixation can inhibit problem solving

Two life form thingys

26
Q

Creative cognition

A

Technique to train people to think creatively

Preinventive forms: ideas that precede creation of finished creative products

E.g. to pick three random shapes and make something. Then category is picked and they have to describe the function of their object in terms of the category

27
Q

Latent inhibition

A

The capacity to screen out stimuli that are considered irrelevant

Reduced latent inhibition is associated with both mental illness and with enhanced creativity

28
Q

Creativity and the brain

A

Chi and Snyder: deactivated left anterior temporal lobe causing people to think “outside the box” in nine dot problem

Kounios and coworkers: “the prepared mind”

  • used EEG on compound remote-association problem
  • frontal lobe activity increased before insight solutions
  • occipital lobe activity increased before noninsight solutions
29
Q

Default mode network: incubation

A

-getting ideas after taking “time out” from working on a problem

E.g. participants suggest alternate uses for an object
-higher originality ratings associated with higher activity of structures in default mode

30
Q

Ellamil et. al (Generate/Evaluate)

A

Regions of DMN more strongly activated during idea generation

Regions of ECN more strongly activated during idea evaluation

Normally DMN and ECN work in opposition
-creative thinking is different, especially during idea evaluation

31
Q

Things creative people do differently

A

Volitional daydreaming: purposeful mind wandering

Solitude: avoiding distractions to give the mind space and time to make new connections and find meaning

Mindfulness:

  • focused attention meditation: focus on one thing, and return to it when distracted
  • open monitoring meditation: pay attention to whatever comes up and follow it until the next thing

Cognitive Psych (21 decks)

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