Problem Solving

Question 1

Analogy

Answer 1

In problem solving, the process by which a problem solver maps the solution ffor one problem into a solution for another 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

Answer 3

Or hill climbing; 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

Answer 4

Or mechanization of thought; a set effect whereby people repeat a solution that has worked for previous problems even when a simpler solution is possible.

Question 5

Functional fixedness

Answer 5

The tendency to see objects as serving only conventional problem-solving functions and thus failing to see that they can serve novel functions.

Question 6

General Problem Solver (GPS)

Answer 6

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

Question 7

Goal state

Answer 7

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

Question 8

Incubation effect

Answer 8

A phenomenon in which a solution to a problem comes more easily after one has put the problem aside for a time.

Question 9

Insight problem

Answer 9

A problem in which the person is not aware of being close to a solution.

Question 10

Means-ends analysis

Answer 10

In problem solving, the creation of new subgoals (ends) to enable operators (means) to apply in achieving the original goal.

Question 11

Operator

Answer 11

In problem solving, an action that will transform one problem state into another problem state.

Question 12

Problem space

Answer 12

Or state space; a representation of the various sequences of problem-solving operators that transform the various states of a problem from one state to anotehr state.

Question 13

Search

Answer 13

In problem solving, the process of finding an appropriate path through a maze of states in a problem space by choosing a sequence of operators to move from the start state to the goal state.

Question 14

Search tree

Answer 14

O search graph; in problem solving, a representation of the set of states in a problem space that can be reached by applying operators to transform one state into another state, beginning with the start state.

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

Answer 16

In problem solving, 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.