Lecture 10: Problem Solving & Creativity Flashcards
What is a problem?
An obstacle between a present state and a goal. Not immediately obvious how to get around the obstacle. Difficult to solve.
Restructuring
The process of changing a problem’s representation. Changing this often leads to new solutions.
How are insight problems solved?
Eg. riddles, are solved suddenly
How are non-insight problems solved?
Eg. maths solutions, are solved gradually
Fixation
People’s tendency to focus on one specific characteristic of the problem keeps them from arriving at a solution.
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.
Mental set
A preconceived notion about how to approach a problem based on a person’s experiences with similar problems.
Initial state
In problem solving, conditions at the beginning of a problem
Goal state
In problem solving, the condition that occurs when a problem has been solved
Intermediate state
In problem solving, the various conditions that exist along the pathways between the initial and goal states
Operators
In problem solving, permissible (permitted/allowed) moves that can be made toward a problem’s solution
Problem space
All possible states that could occur when solving a problem
Means-end analysis
A way of solving a problem in which the goal is to reduce the difference between the initial and goal states
Subgoals
Small goals that help create intermediate states that are closer to the goal. Occasionally, a subgoal may appear to increase the distance to the goal state but in the long run can result in the shortest path to the goal.
Analogical problem solving
The use of analogies as an aid to solving problems. Using a solution to a similar problem guides solution to new problem.
Analogical transfer
The application of problem-solving strategies experienced in solving one problem to the solution of another, similar problem.
Source problem to target problem
- noticing relationship
- mapping correspondence between source and target
- applying mapping
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
It can be difficult to apply analogies in the laboratory, but people routinely use analogies in real-world setting
What is an expert?
A person who, by devoting a large amount of time to learning about a field and practicing and applying that learning, acknowledged as being extremely knowledgeable or skilled in that field.
Schema
Knowledge of patterns you already know
How experts solve problems (2)
Novice: surface features
Expert: structural features
Divergent thinking
Open-ended; large number of potential “solutions”
Problem solving as a process (4)
Stage 1: Problem generation
Stage 2: Problem formulation
Stage 3: Problem solving
Stage 4: Solution implementation
Creative cognition
Technique to train people to think creatively by focusing on creation rather than use
Preventive forms
Ideas that precede creation of finished creative product
Effect of sleep deprivation on creativity
Decreases
What is Guildford’s alternate uses test?
People get objects presented that are associated with a certain use. Task is to come up with as many possible uses in a given time
What are the stereotypes around mental illness and highly creative people? (2)
- Highly creative people are more prone to mental illness (BUT this is not supported by data)
- Their relatives are much more likely to be creative than the average population, genetic trait that is linked to both creativity & mental illness
Latent inhibition (LI)
Capacity to screen out stimuli that are considered irrelevant
What is LI critical for? (2)
- Critical to filter information protecting us from getting overwhelmed by information. This filter is impaired in some mental illnesses and reduced in highly creative individuals
- Reduced LI makes you more open
Savant Syndrome
Synder 2009 suggested that Savant skills are present in any person but are normally not accessible to conscious awareness. In savants the lack of inhibition unlocks savant skills.
What is Savant Syndrome often linked to?
Damage in the anterior temporal lobe
Analogy
Making a comparison in order to show a similarity between two different things.
Insight
Sudden realisation of a problem’s solution
Means-end analysis
A problem-solving strategy that seeks to reduce the difference between the initial and goal states. This is achieved by creating subgoals, intermediate states that are closer to the goal.
Mental set
A preconceived notion about how to approach a problem, which is determined by a person’s experience or what has worked in the past.
Source problem
A problem or story that is analogous to the target problem and which therefore provides information that can lead to a solution to the target problem.
Target problem
A problem to be solved. In analogical problem solving, solution of this problem can become easier when the problem-solver is exposed to an analogous source problem or story.
Structural features
The underlying principle of a problem.
For example, in the radiation problem, needing high intensity to fix something surrounded by material that could be damaged by high intensity.
Surface features
Specific elements that make up a problem.
For example, in the radiation problem, the rays and the rumour are surface features.
