Final Lecture 16: March 20 Flashcards
what is A problem
is the difference between a current state and a desired state ¤ Math problems
¤ Real world scenarios
Problem solving is a multi-step processes in which solutions are developed
to do what
shift from a current (problem) to a desired (goal) state ¤ A higher-order cognitive function
How a problem is solved depends on what
it’s structure ¤ Well-defined vs ill-defined problems
dfine Well-defined problems
Problems with defined constraints and a set goal state and path
what are Constraints
are limitations, rules or set boundaries
¤ The constraint of a bowling lane: You have to stay between the gutters
is there a clear set of steps (path) to move
from the problem to solution
yes
¤ The rules of bowling: You know you need to throw the ball at the pins to meet your goal
what is an example of a well defines problem
Sudoku
what is Goal directedness:
The processes engaged are to achieve a pre-set goal ¤You have your “Eyes on the prize”
¤Sudoku: Filling in all the cells
Anderson, 1985
what is Sequential operations:
The processes engaged are done in a sequence of steps ¤Like a recipe
¤Sudoku: Using a known method to fill in each square
how are Many cognitive operation used with well defines problesm
Distinct cognitive processes are used for these distinct steps
what is Subgoal decomposition:
There are intermediate goals to achieve a solution ¤ Nested structure
¤ Sudoku: Fill in rows then squares or fill in all number ‘2’s then number ‘5’s
what are the parts of well defines problems
Goal directedness
Sequential operations
Many cognitive operation
Subgoal decomposition
what are
Situations that have no clear path or way to move from the problem to the goal state
Why is your friend angry with you?
What courses will you take next year
are the goal state and path are specified in ill defined problems
The goal state and path are not specified (ambiguous)
¤ The ‘road’ to the solution is not clear
¤ There are few task constraints, or few
limitations for how to solve the problem
¤ There are often multiple solutions
¤ E.g., there are many ways and routes to walk from point A to B
A
B
Well- or ill-defined? How to get rid of smelly garbage
ill defines
Well- or ill-defined? Converting a unit of measurement from inches to centimeters
well defines
Well-defined problems have more_______ than ill-defined problems
task constraints
Greater activity in the right lateral prefrontal cortex for ill-defined anagrams or well- defined anagrams
ill defined
Solving ill-defined problems carry a greater ‘cognitive load’ why
because of the lack of task constraints
what are the 2 types of problem solving
analytic and insight
what are the characteristics of analytic problem solving
¤ Using step by step rules to reach a solution
¤ Conscious deliberation
¤ Information processing approaches
* next class
what are the characteristics of insight problem solving
¤ Creative approaches to reach a solution ¤ Open ended tasks
¤ Cognitive flexibility
What is insight?
¤A person can’t find the solution then the correct solution emerges into consciousness
¤The ‘Aha’ experience
¤Breaking free of assumptions to form new connections in mind to reach a solution
what are the Four features of Insight
suddeness
ease
positive in emotion
confidence
what is Suddeness:
The solution pops into mind with surprise