Problem Solving

Question 1

Problem Solving

Answer 1

• Involves searching for some rule, plan, or strategy that results in our reaching a certain goal that is currently out of reach

Question 2

Features of Problem Solving

Answer 2

1. Initial State: have a problem
2. Goal State: solution
3. Obstacles
4. Sub-goal States: check points on way to solution

Question 3

Spatial Metaphor

Answer 3

• Think of problem-solving like a maze or video game

Question 4

Problem Solving by Algorithm

Answer 4

• Systematic procedures
• Exhaustive search, try all possible answers using a specific system
• Guaranteed to lead to a solution if used correctly

Question 5

Heuristics

Answer 5

• “Rule of Thumb” strategy
• Reduces or limits the search for solutions in domains that are difficult or poorly understood
• Allows one to take short cuts; much quicker than algorithms
• Doesn’t always lead to the correct solution

Question 6

Recognition Heuristic

Answer 6

• We go with what we know

- More likely to choose an option that you’ve heard of before.

Question 7

Representativeness Heuristic

Answer 7

• People judge probability or likelihood based upon similarity to other things they have seen in the past

Question 8

Availability Heuristic

Answer 8

• People will judge probability & likelihood based upon ease with which items can be recalled

Question 9

Anchoring & Adjustment Heuristic

Answer 9

• We anchor estimates of quantity based on other numbers that we know/hear
• Estimates are almost always biased toward the anchor

Question 10

Means-Ends Analysis (steps)

Answer 10

1. Set goal
2. Look @ difference between current & goal state
3. Look for something that will reduce/eliminate difference
4. Do this
5. Evaluate & repeat if necessary