problem solving Flashcards
two main ways problems present themselves
(hint: defined)
- 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)
types of problems
(hint: both start with ‘i’)
- 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
gestalt approach to problem solving
- how ppl represent a problem matters (insight)
- solving problems requires reorganization and restructuring the representation (when you restructure the solution becomes easier/obvious)
solutions for insight problems of require ____ process.
a) inductive
b) gestalt
c) deductive
b) gestalt (reorganize representation)
information processing approach to problem solving
- 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
Methods of solution for searches of problem solving
- search through problem space
- algorithm (generate and test)
- heuristics (difference reduction, means-ends analysis, analogy)
problem solving search - algorithm
- randomly generate solution and test it
- dumbest way
- brute force approach
- pro: no knowledge used
- con: can take long time
problem solving search - heuristic
- 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
problem solving - backup avoidance
- ppl do not want to undo what is already done
- one step requires backtracking
- feels like wrong choice/decision
- must undo to continue
means end analysis
- reduces distance between you and goal by breaking down into subgoals
- incremental progress
- gets you closer to end goal but not to end goal
when should you use working backwards to solve the problem?
- when there are too many options to start from
transfer (problem solving)
- 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)
Analogy
- looks at structural relationship between things
- relationship between 2 similar situations, problems, or concepts
t or f: analogies come easy to ppl, they can just draw connections themselves
false, they need reminders as its hard to find connections when unprompted
negative transfer examples
- 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
solutions to overcome negative transfer examples
- incubation: set problem aside and come back later (can help make new connections, freshen mental set, break assumptions)
measuring creativity
- remote associate task: theory that og ideas result from ideational associative processes
- divergent thinking: reflection of creativity using originality, ideational fluency, and ideational flexibility
t or f: there is a link between pretend play in childhood and creativity in careers in adulthood
true
_____vergent thought is facts leading to answers whereas ____vergent thought is stimulate leading to ideas
convergent, divergent
higher creativity is linked to when ppl are _________ motivated
internally or inartistically (ie no external reward, for own curiosity)
t or f: providing an external motivation (ie reward) for creativity leads to more creativity than if it were internally motivated
- false, the opposite is true
- external motivation=harder
three components of creativity
- expertise
- creative thinking skills
- intrinstic motivation
t or f: creativity is categorical (all or none) not dimensional
false, it is dimensional
where do creative ideas come from
(hint: different ways of thinking)
- 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)
what part of OCEAN is creativity linked to
- openness to new experiences and adaptability
____ space given and _____ pressure make for higher creativity levels
more, less
flow (creativity)
- optimal state of consciousness where we perform best
- disconnect from time
- deep sense of satisfaction
- heightened concentration
what brainwaves contribute to flow of ideas (as found in flow state)
- alpha: thoughts flow from one to another
- theta
t or f: time of day can affect creativity
true, ppl tend to have more brainpower at peak circadian arousal times (have more stamina)
- two types: morning and evening types
when you are off your optimal time of day, _____ mechanisms arent as strong, which allow for more disinhibited creative thought
- inhibitory
- prefrontal cortex is less able to shut things down
