Problem Solving Flashcards
What is big C creativity?
Artists that created masterpieces ( Darwin theory of evolution, Picasso, etc)
What is little c creativity?
Small problem solving that we do in our day to day
What is problem solving?
process by which one determines the steps needed to reach a goal.
What is a problem space?
the set of all states that can be reached in solving the problem
What is the hill-climbing strategy?
At each step in solving a problem, choose the option that moves you in the direction of your goal
What is a potential issue with the hill climbing strategy?
many problems require breifly moving away from goal to solve
What is means-end analysis?
considering the obstacles that stand between the initial problem state and the goal state
How do analogies effect problem solving?
when given an analogy it increases the amount f people that can solve a problem, but when told that it will help majority of people are able to solve problem
How can problem solving be improved? (structure)
encoruage to focus on deep structure by giving problem a label
Who are more likel yto use analogies?
experts
What can problems be broken up into?
subproblems
Who are more likely to use subproblems?
experts
Why are experts better at problem solving?
use analogies, use subproblems, know more about domain of expertise, have assembled routines, organize knowledge effectively
What is an ill defined problem?
The goal state and the available operators for reaching the goal are not clearly specified.
How are ill defined problems best solved?
creating well defined subgoals and adding extra constraitns or assumptions
What is functional fixedness?
the tendency to be rigid in thinking about an objects function
What is a problem solving set?
collection of beliefs and assumptions a person makes about a problem
What is einstellung?
problem solver’s beliefs, habits, and preferred strategies,
which can have a negative effect on problem solving (german word for attitude)
What do problem solving sets do?
reduce distractions from futile strategies, usually eases the search for solution, can sometimes blind you to alternative solutions
What are some prerequisities that highly cretive people have?
motivated by pleasure of work, perserverance, ignore criticism, willing to take risks, great knowledge and skill in domain, in the right place at right time
What are the four stages of creativity argued by Wallas?
preparation, incubation, illumination, verification
Do creative discoveries always follow the four steps?
no, sometimes some steps are skipped and out of order
What is the incubation effect?
when we take a break and then the solution comes to us
Why does the incubation effect work?
mind wandering, could lead to spreading activation, can also help reduce fatigue/frustration
