CHP 11 - Problem Solving Flashcards
What are the two types of problems?
1) Well defined problem
2) Ill defined problem
The goal and the options for solving the problem are clearly stated from the start and once you reach the goal it is easily assessed, what type of problem is this?
Well-defined problem
The goal and the options for solving the problem are not stated, and the goal is hard to assess, what type of problem is this?
Ill-defined problem
A cognitive bias that limits a person using an object only in the way it is traditionally used
Functional Fixedness
Why do individuals have a hard time solving the pennies problem?
Only thinking of solving in a two-dimensional space vs three-dimensional space
Trial and error strategy is also known as the ______________ approach
Associationist
Associationist approach is best used for _____________ problems
Simple
Reorganizing mental representation of problem is which type of problem solving approach?
Gestalt approach
What are the three processes of insight strategy? (thinking outside the box)
1) Selective encoding
2) Selective combination
3) Selective comparison
Insight problems are ill defined or well defined?
Ill-defined
T/F: Forgetting previous attempts may facilitate problem solving
True
What were Vul and Pashler’s (2007) results regarding the RAT task?
Incubation effect only benefited individuals for the misleading associations
T/F: People are good at predicting when how close they are to solving insight problems
False
What did Metcalfe’s and Wiebe’s (1987) study focus on?
Solving insight problems and individuals JOL to closeness of solving insight problems compared to well-defined problems
T/F: When people develop a routine way of solving problems, they are more likely to develop negative sets
True
What is mental set bias?
One’s tendency to solve problems a particular way, even when there is a different, simpler approach that is more productive
An informal method or guideline – mental shortcut
Heuristic (Automatic; System 1)
A rule or procedure that is guaranteed to provide the correct answer if it is done correctly
Algorithm (Systematic; System 2)
What are the three types of heuristic strategies to solving a problem?
1) Means end: comparing current state to end goal
2) Hill climbing: each move represents closest move to the goal state
3) Working backward: Focus on the goal state and work backwards to the initial state
Conforming to rules ____________ creativitiy
Stymies/Hinders
Do creative people have better ideas when solving problems?
No, they have more ideas and more likely to follow up their ideas
_________ hemisphere = creativitiy
__________ hemisphere = rational/logical thinking
Right - creativity
Left - Logical thinking
