Exam 3 (Problem-Solving)

Question 1

What are the 3 methods of solving problems?

Answer 1

• trial and error
• algorithm
• heuristics

Question 2

Trial and error?

Answer 2

Inefficient last resort but helpful

Question 3

Algorithm

Answer 3

rule or set of rules that always produces a solution within a finite number of steps
ex. addition, subtraction

Question 4

Heuristics

Answer 4

short-cuts

ex. solving anagrams, analogies

Question 5

What are 3 heuristic problem solving strategies?

Answer 5

1. analogy
2. hill-climbing
3. means-end analysis

Question 6

Analogy

Answer 6

reuse a solution from a previous problem or solve a new problem by referring to a ‘similar’ one

Question 7

Hill-climbing

Answer 7

difference reduction (initial state/goal state). Take approach that appears to maximize movement towards a goal
e.g. when driving due north, always select route with most direct looking approach

Question 8

Means-end analysis

Answer 8

identify sub-goals (“ends”) and obstacles then solve these subproblems
e.g. tower of hanoi

Question 9

What is Gestalt psychology?

Answer 9

thinking as restructuring (reorganizing) problems

Question 10

Stages of problem solving (*=req’d)

Answer 10

1. registration* - understanding the problem
2. generating possible solutions*
3. incubation - not working on it for a while
4. insight - “aha!”
5. verification - checking

Question 11

Mental set - 4 parts of it

Answer 11

tendency to respond in a certain way

1. functional fixedness
2. perceptual set
3. well-defined/ill-defined
4. expertise

Question 12

Functional fixedness

Answer 12

tendency to see an object as having a certain use

ex. matchbox problem