problem solving

Question 1

two main ways problems present themselves
(hint: defined)

Answer 1

• well defined: clear goal, step by step approach, clear starting point, clear rules and guidelines even if you dont know answer by looking at it (ex math, chess)
• ill defined: no clear goal/solution, no starting point, no rules/guidelines (ex choosing a career)

Question 2

types of problems
(hint: both start with ‘i’)

Answer 2

• incremental: rules, step by step, solved by following set of rules, well defined, goes together easy, gradual solving process
• insight: no path to solve, no steps, you dont know then you figure it out, ‘aha’ experience, almost as if solution occurs in one step

Question 3

gestalt approach to problem solving

Answer 3

• how ppl represent a problem matters (insight)
• solving problems requires reorganization and restructuring the representation (when you restructure the solution becomes easier/obvious)

Question 4

solutions for insight problems of require ____ process.

a) inductive
b) gestalt
c) deductive

Answer 4

b) gestalt (reorganize representation)

Question 5

information processing approach to problem solving

Answer 5

• problem space (can be interpreted different ways, travel through to reach solution)
• problem solving=search through problem space of possibilities (ex maze)
• start w situation and apply different options

Question 6

Methods of solution for searches of problem solving

Answer 6

• search through problem space
• algorithm (generate and test)
• heuristics (difference reduction, means-ends analysis, analogy)

Question 7

problem solving search - algorithm

Answer 7

• randomly generate solution and test it
• dumbest way
• brute force approach
• pro: no knowledge used
• con: can take long time

Question 8

problem solving search - heuristic

Answer 8

• difference reduction
• try to reduce difference between current state and goal state using knowledge
• pro: gets to solution in small steps
• con: may not be possible to get closer on each step

Question 9

problem solving - backup avoidance

Answer 9

• ppl do not want to undo what is already done
• one step requires backtracking
• feels like wrong choice/decision
• must undo to continue

Question 10

means end analysis

Answer 10

• reduces distance between you and goal by breaking down into subgoals
• incremental progress
• gets you closer to end goal but not to end goal

Question 11

when should you use working backwards to solve the problem?

Answer 11

• when there are too many options to start from

Question 12

transfer (problem solving)

Answer 12

• application of previous experience to problem, past solutions similarities and differences help solve new problem
• positive transfer: using previous knowledge to help
• negative transfer: previous knowledge hurts problem solving (causes ppl to get stuck)

Question 13

Analogy

Answer 13

• looks at structural relationship between things
• relationship between 2 similar situations, problems, or concepts

Question 14

t or f: analogies come easy to ppl, they can just draw connections themselves

Answer 14

false, they need reminders as its hard to find connections when unprompted

Question 15

negative transfer examples

Answer 15

• mental set: tendency to only see solutions that previously work, even if simple solutions are available, you use old ways that worked
• fixation: inability to see problem from new POV/perspective
• functional fixedness: fail to see another use for an object

Question 16

solutions to overcome negative transfer examples

Answer 16

• incubation: set problem aside and come back later (can help make new connections, freshen mental set, break assumptions)

Question 17

measuring creativity

Answer 17

• remote associate task: theory that og ideas result from ideational associative processes
• divergent thinking: reflection of creativity using originality, ideational fluency, and ideational flexibility

Question 18

t or f: there is a link between pretend play in childhood and creativity in careers in adulthood

Answer 18

true

Question 19

_____vergent thought is facts leading to answers whereas ____vergent thought is stimulate leading to ideas

Answer 19

convergent, divergent

Question 20

higher creativity is linked to when ppl are _________ motivated

Answer 20

internally or inartistically (ie no external reward, for own curiosity)

Question 21

t or f: providing an external motivation (ie reward) for creativity leads to more creativity than if it were internally motivated

Answer 21

• false, the opposite is true
• external motivation=harder

Question 22

three components of creativity

Answer 22

• expertise
• creative thinking skills
• intrinstic motivation

Question 23

t or f: creativity is categorical (all or none) not dimensional

Answer 23

false, it is dimensional

Question 24

where do creative ideas come from
(hint: different ways of thinking)

Answer 24

• originality (combine 2+ existing ideas no matter how different)
• synthesis (combining events from past with present moments)
• flexibility (can suppress easy answers to make difficult ones=unique insights)

Question 25

what part of OCEAN is creativity linked to

Answer 25

• openness to new experiences and adaptability

Question 26

____ space given and _____ pressure make for higher creativity levels

Answer 26

more, less

Question 27

flow (creativity)

Answer 27

• optimal state of consciousness where we perform best
• disconnect from time
• deep sense of satisfaction
• heightened concentration

Question 28

what brainwaves contribute to flow of ideas (as found in flow state)

Answer 28

• alpha: thoughts flow from one to another
• theta

Question 29

t or f: time of day can affect creativity

Answer 29

true, ppl tend to have more brainpower at peak circadian arousal times (have more stamina)
- two types: morning and evening types

Question 30

when you are off your optimal time of day, _____ mechanisms arent as strong, which allow for more disinhibited creative thought

Answer 30

• inhibitory
• prefrontal cortex is less able to shut things down