Chapter Eleven Flashcards
we use _____ _____ when we want to reach a specific goal
problem solving
describes the situation at the beginning of the problem
initial state
the state you reach when you solve a problem
goal state
describes the restrictions that make it difficult to proceed from the initial state to the goal state
obstacles
requires you to go beyond the information you were given so that you can reach a goal, which may be a solution, a belief, or a decision
thinking
means that you have constructed a well-organized mental representation of the problem
understanding
refers to the way you translate the elements of the problem into a different format
problem representation
a figure that uses tree-like structure to show various possible options in a problem
hierarchical tree diagram
we often use helpful information in our immediate environment to create spatial representations
situated cognitive approach
we often use our own body and our own motor actions in order to express our abstract thoughts and knowledge
embodied cognitive approach
a method that will always produce a solution to the problem, though this process can sometimes be inefficient
algorithm
an algorithm where you try out all possible answers using a specific system
exhaustive search
a general rule that is usually correct
heuristic
you employ a solution to a similar, earlier problem to help you solve a new problem
analogy approach
refer to a set of problems that have the same underlying structures and solutions, but different specific details
problem isomorphs
the specific objects and terms used in the question, more obvious
surface features
the underlying core that you must understand in order to solve the problem correctly
structural features
means-end heuristic
smaller problems to tackle
subproblems
requires you to indentify the final result and then figure out the methids you will use to reach those ends
means-end heuristic
a computer program that will perform a task in the same way that a human would
computer simulation
a program whose basic strategy is means-ends analysis
General Problem Solver (GPS)
you believe that you possess a certain amount of intelligence and other skills and no amount of effort will help you become better
fixed mindset
you believe you have the capacity to improve and grow in your intelligence and other skills
growth mindset
we tend to assign a function to an object and cannot think of it having any other function
functional fixedness
belonging to a group that is hampered by a negative stereotype and that may affect your performance
stereotype threat
the problem initially seems impossible to solve but an alternative approach suddenly bursts into your consciousness
insight problem
you solve the problem gradually
noninsight problem
