Problem Solving Flashcards
Define problem solving
a problem exists when someone lacks the relevant knowledge to produce an immediate solution - it is goal directed
What are the 3 approaches we use to solve problems
- insight
- problem solving strategies
- analogical problem solving
Define well defined problem
initial state, goal and methods for solving the problem is clearly laid out E.G assembling furniture
Define Ill defined problem
initial state, goal and methods for solving problem is unclear E.G get happier
Define Knowledge rich problem
needing to have considerable background knowledge to solve problems e.g need to know bus routes in order to use bus
Define Knowledge lean problem
dont need prior knowledge to solve problems
Define Insight
light bulb moment in figuring our the solution to a problem involving some sort of mental reorganisation
Discuss the evidence for the existence of a seperate ‘insight’ process
- Aha experiences are reported more often on insight problems
- but many aha situations may be associated with the wrong answer
- no feelings of getting warmer as realisation is sudden
- not realy reliable if its a seperate process or not
What is the Representational Change Theory and what does it say about how insight occurs?
It claims how insight problems cause impasses because they mislead problem solvers into contructing inapropriate inital representations, insight occurs when this initial representation is changed
What 3 things facilitates insight
Incubation
Mental set
Functional Fixedness
Describe evidence for incubation
incubation = taking time away from unsolved problem
- meta analysis where incubation effects were frequently reported
- more incubation for creative tasks e.g write a short story
- incubation times are longer when preperation period is longer
- INCUBATION FASCILITATES FORGETTING OF MISLEADING INFORMATION
Describe evidence for Mental Set
mental set = problem solving is misled by previous experience
- ppts who were trained in more complex problems stuggled in a final easy one, water jar problem.
Describe evidence for functional Fixedness
functional fixedness = task was to attach a candle to a wall without letting it drip, ppts didnt know they can use the box to catch drip.
According to Newell and Simon, why do we use heuristics to solve problems
-humans have limited capactiy for problem solving because of limited STM
- heuristics = rule of thumb that are simple to use and often produce accurate results (humans use this)
Outline 2 heuristics that we use
HILL CLIMBING - making moves to get you closer to a goal e.g trying to climb a mountain by always walking up hill
MEANS ENDS ANALYSIS - more awareness of how to break a problem into sub problems e.g trying to loose 10kg by setting a goal to lose 1 kg a week
What is meta reasoning to solve problems
= processes to moniter progress during problem solving and influence the strategies we adopt
e.g if process is slow, change strategy
what is meant by planning for solving problems
= used to solve problems and involves pre frontal areas
What is Analogical Problem solving
= similarities between problems, especially structural similarities
- superficial similarity = irrelevant details shared between both problems
- structural similarity = causal relations of components are same for both problems
-procedural similarity = turning solution principle into actions that are shared
Describe the Gick and Holyoak study to show peoples ability to use analogical problem solving
- 40% solved the radiation problem when the genral and fortress story was presented
- when told the story can help solve the radiation problem, 80% solved it
- HOWEVER the lack of superficial similarity hindered the solution transfer (coz its different topics e.g not both radiation)
What helps with analogical problem solving
- good working memory
- noticing similarities and difference in problem structutre
- prompting people to use analogies
What brain network is key for problem solving
prefrontal cortex
