Problem solving Flashcards
What is the Gestalt approach to problem solving?
1) how people represent the problem in their mind
2) how solving involves a reorganizing or restructuring of this representation
What did Gestalt introduce as part of restructuring?
Insight - the sudden realization of a problem’s solution.
What did Cushen and Wiley (2012) learn about insight?
That “insight” does occur suddenly!
What are some problems with problem solving?
1) fixation - functional fixedness (Jansson & Smith, 1991)
What are some examples of problems used to test fixation?
1) Candles, matches and tacks (Duncker, 1945)
2) 2 string problem (Maier, 1931)
What causes fixation?
Mental set - a person’s existing knowledge of how things should be used
As shown by Luchins (1942) water jug problem
What is mindfulness?
It is about paying attention to the present without any judgement.
Is there a link between mindfulness and fixation?
Yes, as shown by Ostalin and Kassman (2012)
What is the information-processing approach?
It sees problem solving as a search process.
What is Newell and Simon’s (1972) approach?
The problem space consists of an initial state, intermediate states and a goal state. Transition from initial to goal state is achieved through operators.
What is a technique of problem solving from the initial to goal state?
Carrying out means-end analysis and creation of subgoals. Eg. Tower of Hanoi
What does the mutilated checker board problem show?
It demonstrates the importance of how presentation of information affects problem solving.
What is a problem?
A situation where there is an obstacle between current and desired state.
What is analogical problem solving?
Looking for past solutions to similar problems which can help solve the current one.
What is analogical transfer?
The process of learning analogical problem solving, involving the source problem and target problem.
What are the steps in analogical problem solving?
1) Noticing
2 ) Mapping
3) Applying
What types of features are there in a problem?
1) Surface
2) Structural
What is analogical encoding?
A process where 2 problems are compared and similarities noted.
What is in-vivo problem solving research?
Observing and learning if analogical problem solving is used in real world situations.
What makes expert problem solvers different?
They have more and better structured knowledge.
How to experts and novices differ?
1) organization based on surface versus structural features
2) experts spend more time analyzing
Do experts have their limits?
Yes. They are limited to their field of expertise.
What is Smith et al.’s (2009) definition of creativity?
The creation of novel things that are useful!
Is group brainstorming actually a good idea?
No. Participants may hold back due to fear of judgement and ideas may get narrowed due to priming/anchoring.
What is Finke’s (1990) process of creativity called?
Creative cognition. The outputs are known as pre-inventive forms.
What do creativity and mental illness like schizophrenia have in common?
A reduced level of latent inhibition (LI).
What is savant syndrome?
A condition where autistic persons are capable of extraordinary feats. It is linked to top-down inhibition of the anterior temporal cortex.
