Problem Solving Flashcards
Analogy
Is the process by which a problem solver extracts the operators used to solve an example and maps them onto a solution for another problem
Backup avoidance
The tendency in problem solving to avoid operators that undo the effects of one or more previous operators. Avoiding backtracking when coming across a problem
Difference reduction
The tendency to select operators that most reduce the difference between the current state and the goal state
Functional fixedness
A phenomenon where people focus on an object’s primary function and therefore overlook novel functions for problem solving
Incubation effect
The tendency to be able to solve problems faster after a break from it. Happens because you forget inappropriate methods used before the break
Means-end analysis
an end goal is identified, but subgoals (smaller steps towards the end goal) are taken in order to make it easier
Set effect
When prior knowledge relevant to the task at hand is strengthened and affects your performance in problem solving
Insight problem
A type of problem that can be hard to track the progress of, so you don’t know how close you are to the solution. For example a riddle
Non-insight problem
A type of problem, where it is easy to see the progress made throughout solving the problem. For example the Tower of Hanoi
Operator
An action that will transform one problem state into another problem state.
Goal state
A state in a problem space in which the final goal is achieved.
Subgoals
Intermediate goals set in service of achieving a larger goal.
General problem solver (GPS)
A computer simulation program created by Newell and Simon that models human problem solving using means–ends analysis.
Problem space
A representation of the various sequences of problem-solving operators that transform the various states of a problem from one state to another state.
Search
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.
Search tree
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.
Einstellung effect
Mechanization of thought. Describes how we use a mindset, that has worked for us previously, to solve a problem, even though better solutions might exist
State
Any situation in a problem space that can be transformed into another situation/state by operators.
Which part of the brain, which is relatively larger in humans, is important for problem solving?
The prefrontal cortex
