Problem Solving

Question 1

Analogy (in problem solving)

Answer 1

The basic process of finding a problem (source) that is similar to the problem you need to solve (target) and mapping the solution of that source problem onto the target problem.

Question 2

Backup avoidance

Answer 2

The tendency in problem solving to avoid operators that undo the effects of one or more previous operators.

Question 3

Difference reductions (or hill climbing)

Answer 3

The tendency in problem solving to select operators that most reduce the difference between the current state and the goal state.

Question 4

Einstellung effect (or mechanization of thought)

Answer 4

A set effect that occurs when a person is presented with a problem or situation that is similar to problems they have worked through in the past and they repeat the solution that worked in the previous problem even when a simpler solution is possible.

Question 5

Functional fixedness

Answer 5

A cognitive bias that limits a person to use an object only in the way it is traditionally used.

Question 6

General Problem Solver (GSP)

Answer 6

A computer simulation program created by Newell and Simon that models human problem solving using means-ends analysis.

Question 7

Goal state (in problem solving)

Answer 7

A state in a problem space in which the final goal is achieved

Question 8

Incubation effect

Answer 8

A phenomenon that when people are confronted with an unsolvable problem, the solution comes more easily after putting the problem aside for a time, it works by undoing the set effects.

Question 9

Insight problem

Answer 9

A problem in which the person is not aware of being close to a solution, usually comes with the “Aha” effect (for example the cheap-necklace problem and the mutilated-checkerboard problem).

Question 10

Means-ends analysis (in problem solving)

Answer 10

The creation of new subgoal (ends) to enable operators (means) to apply in achieving the original goal.

Question 11

Operator (in problem solving)

Answer 11

An action that will transform one problem state into another problem state.

Question 12

Problem space (or state space)

Answer 12

A process that involves components (states and operators) for defining and solving a problem.

Question 13

Search (in problem solving)

Answer 13

The process of problem solving using operators to move from start state to goal state.

Question 14

Search tree (or search graph)

Answer 14

A representation of the set of states in a problem space that can be reached by applying operators.

Question 15

Set effect

Answer 15

Biasing of the approach to solving a problem as a result of past experiences in solving that kind of problem.

Question 16

State (in problem solving)

Answer 16

A representation of a problem in some degree of solution)

Question 17

Subgoals

Answer 17

A goal set in service of achieving a larger goal.

Question 18

What are the essential features that qualify an episode as an instance of problem solving?

Answer 18

Goal directedness.
Subgoal decomposition.
Operator application.

Question 19

What are the three most prominent ways to acquire new problem-solving operators?

Answer 19

By discovery. By being told. By example.

Question 20

What are the three types of problem-solving approaches that humans use to select operators?

Answer 20

Backup avoidance. Difference reduction. Means-ends analysis.