Problem solving

Question 1

What is the Gestalt approach to problem solving?

Answer 1

1) how people represent the problem in their mind

2) how solving involves a reorganizing or restructuring of this representation

Question 2

What did Gestalt introduce as part of restructuring?

Answer 2

Insight - the sudden realization of a problem’s solution.

Question 3

What did Cushen and Wiley (2012) learn about insight?

Answer 3

That “insight” does occur suddenly!

Question 4

What are some problems with problem solving?

Answer 4

1) fixation - functional fixedness (Jansson & Smith, 1991)

Question 5

What are some examples of problems used to test fixation?

Answer 5

1) Candles, matches and tacks (Duncker, 1945)

2) 2 string problem (Maier, 1931)

Question 6

What causes fixation?

Answer 6

Mental set - a person’s existing knowledge of how things should be used
As shown by Luchins (1942) water jug problem

Question 7

What is mindfulness?

Answer 7

It is about paying attention to the present without any judgement.

Question 8

Is there a link between mindfulness and fixation?

Answer 8

Yes, as shown by Ostalin and Kassman (2012)

Question 9

What is the information-processing approach?

Answer 9

It sees problem solving as a search process.

Question 10

What is Newell and Simon’s (1972) approach?

Answer 10

The problem space consists of an initial state, intermediate states and a goal state. Transition from initial to goal state is achieved through operators.

Question 11

What is a technique of problem solving from the initial to goal state?

Answer 11

Carrying out means-end analysis and creation of subgoals. Eg. Tower of Hanoi

Question 12

What does the mutilated checker board problem show?

Answer 12

It demonstrates the importance of how presentation of information affects problem solving.

Question 13

What is a problem?

Answer 13

A situation where there is an obstacle between current and desired state.

Question 14

What is analogical problem solving?

Answer 14

Looking for past solutions to similar problems which can help solve the current one.

Question 15

What is analogical transfer?

Answer 15

The process of learning analogical problem solving, involving the source problem and target problem.

Question 16

What are the steps in analogical problem solving?

Answer 16

1) Noticing
2 ) Mapping
3) Applying

Question 17

What types of features are there in a problem?

Answer 17

1) Surface

2) Structural

Question 18

What is analogical encoding?

Answer 18

A process where 2 problems are compared and similarities noted.

Question 19

What is in-vivo problem solving research?

Answer 19

Observing and learning if analogical problem solving is used in real world situations.

Question 20

What makes expert problem solvers different?

Answer 20

They have more and better structured knowledge.

Question 21

How to experts and novices differ?

Answer 21

1) organization based on surface versus structural features

2) experts spend more time analyzing

Question 22

Do experts have their limits?

Answer 22

Yes. They are limited to their field of expertise.

Question 23

What is Smith et al.’s (2009) definition of creativity?

Answer 23

The creation of novel things that are useful!

Question 24

Is group brainstorming actually a good idea?

Answer 24

No. Participants may hold back due to fear of judgement and ideas may get narrowed due to priming/anchoring.

Question 25

What is Finke’s (1990) process of creativity called?

Answer 25

Creative cognition. The outputs are known as pre-inventive forms.

Question 26

What do creativity and mental illness like schizophrenia have in common?

Answer 26

A reduced level of latent inhibition (LI).

Question 27

What is savant syndrome?

Answer 27

A condition where autistic persons are capable of extraordinary feats. It is linked to top-down inhibition of the anterior temporal cortex.