Lecture 13 - Problem-solving and decision making

Question 1

What is the Gestaltist perspective on problem-solving?

Answer 1

• The Gestaltist perspective suggests that problem-solving often involves an impasse where the current way of thinking does not solve the problem.
• The key to solving the problem lies in restructuring it in a way that makes the solution obvious by changing one’s perspective about the tools or elements involved in the problem

Question 2

Describe the Two-String Problem and its significance

Answer 2

• the Two-String Problem involves the goal of typing two strings together that are too far apart to be reached simultaneously.
• The solution requires using an object (e.g. a hammer) to swing one string, allowing the solver to catch it while holding the other string.
• This problem illustrates the importance of insight and rethinking the use of available tools

Question 3

Explain the Candle Problem

Answer 3

• In the Candle Problem, participants are given a book of matches, a candle, and a box of thumbtacks
• The goal is to mount the candle on the wall and light it without the wax dripping on the table
• The solution involves using the box as a candle holder by tacking it to the wall and placing the candle inside, demonstrating the need to overcome functional fixedness

Question 4

What is mental set, and how can it be an obstacle to problem-solving?

Answer 4

• mental set is a habitual strategy or approach to problem-solving that can become an obstacle when it prevents the solver from seeing alternative solutions
• overcoming mental set involves changing one’s perspective and considering new approaches

Question 5

What are heuristics, and how do they assist in problem-solving?

Answer 5

• Heuristics are simple, efficient rules or strategies that people use to make decisions and solve problems
• They help navigate problem spaces by breaking down complex problems into manageable steps
• example include means-ends analysis and hill-climbing

Question 6

What is the hill-climbing heuristic, and what is its limitation?

Answer 6

• the hill-climbing heuristic involves selecting actions that move closer to the goal state
• the limitation is that it can get stuck in an intermediate state that is better than the initial state but does not reach the goal state, similar to pursuing an approach that seems promising but ultimately fails to produce a satisfying solution

Question 7

How do heuristics influence decision-making, and what are cognitive biases?

Answer 7

• heuristics simplify decision-making by using rules of thumb, but they can also lead to cognitive biases, which are systematic errors of judgement
• examples include the availability heuristic, where decisions are based on the ease with which instances are remembered, and the representativeness heuristic, where people judge probabilities based on how much one event resembles another

Question 8

What are framing effects, and how do they impact decision-making?

Answer 8

• Framing effects occur when decisions are influenced by the way information is presented
• people tend to prefer certainty when gaining something and prefer risky options when facing a loss
• understanding framing effects is essential for making informed choices and recognizing how different presentations of information can lead to different decisions