Chapter 12 Problem Solving & Creativity Flashcards
Alternate uses task (AUT)
A task used to assess creativity, in which the person’s task is to think unusual uses for an object. Also called the unusual uses task.
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.
Analogical paradox
People find it difficult to apply analogies in laboratory settings, but routinely use them in real-world settings.
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.
Analytically based problem
Problem that is solved by a process of systematic analysis, often using techniques based on past experience.
Analogy
Making a comparison in order to show a similarity between two different things.
Candle problem
A problem, first described by Duncker, in which a person is given a number of objects and is given the task of mounting a candle on a wall so it can burn without dripping wax on the floor. This problem was used to study functional fixedness.
Compound remote-association problem
A problem in which three words are presented, and the task is to determine one word that when combined with each of these words forms a new word or a phrase.
Contingency strategy
A negotiating strateg y in which a person gets what he or she wants if something else happens.
Creative cognition
A technique developed by Finke to train people to think creatively.
Mind wandering / Daydreaming
Thoughts that come from within a person, often unintentionally. In early research this was called daydreaming.
Divergent thinking
Thinking that is open-ended, involving a large number of potential solutions.
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
An electrical response recorded from the scalp using disc electrodes.
Executive control network (ECN)
A brain network that is involved in directing attention as a person is carrying out tasks.
Expert
Person who, by devoting a large amount of time to learning about a field and practicing and applying that learning, has become acknowledged as being extremely skilled or knowledgeable in that field.
Fixation
In problem solving, people’s tendency to focus on a specific characteristic of the problem that keeps them from arriving at a solution.
Focused attention (FA) meditation
A type of meditation in which the basic procedure is to focus on one thing, like the in and out of your breath, and when your mind wanders, to bring your attention back to your breath.
Functional fixedness
An effect that occurs when the ideas a person has about an object’s function inhibit the person’s ability to use the object for a different function.
Goal state
In problem solving, the condition that occurs when a problem has been solved.