Problem Solving Flashcards
What is problem solving
The process of finding solutions to a difficult or complex problem
Three major aspects to problem solving
- purposeful.
- involves controlled processes.
- lack the relevant knowledge to immediately solve the problem.
Well defined problems
All aspects of the problem are clearly specified
ill defined problems
Unspecified rules or aspects
Most every day problems are
ill defined
Knowledge rich problems
Can only be solved by those with the relevant knowledge
Knowledge lean problems
Do not require a lot of knowledge as most of the info is contained within the initial problem statement
Search based solutions
Effortful and deliberate, proceeding incrementally to the solution
Memory based solutions
Solutions can pop into mind automatically from memory
Insight based solutions
From accurate and deep understanding of the problem
General problem solver
Most simple problems can be broken down into a series of stages
Stages of general problem solver
Problem space.
Selection of operators.
Implementation of the selected operators.
Evaluation of current state.
Problem space
Representing the problem using initial and goal state, the instructions and constraints of the problem and all relevant info retrieved from long term memory
Selection of operators
Actions that will achieve the goal by transforming the initial state
Implementation of the selected operators
Results in a new current state
Evaluation of current state
If this corresponds to the goal, a solution is reached
Heuristics
Mental short cuts/ rules of thumb which require little cognitive effort
Means end analysis
Contrasted with algorithms that are complex
Heuristics highlighted by general problem solver
Means end analysis.
Work backwards.
Progress monitoring.
Hill climbing.
Means end analysis steps
Note difference between current and goal state.
Form sub goal to reduce this difference.
Select the operator that will permit the attainment of sub goals.
If no operator can be found, apply means end to sub goal and repeat.
Isomorphic
Problems with different surface features but same underlying problem structure
Homomorphic
Problems have similar rather than identical problem structures
Creative problem solving
Discovering a novel solution by bringing new insight to the problem
Creative problems
Problems that require a new unique approach to arrive at solution
Creative solutions
Do not fit the gps method to problem solving and that do not seem obvious at first thought
Gestalt school
Mainly focused on perception, the factors that influence it and how it’s organised
Insight- gestalt school
The sudden ‘ah-ha’ experience you get when you realise the solution to a problem that’s been bothering you.
Creative thinking aids
Solution of insight problems
Gestalt school distinguished 2 types of thinking
Reproductive thinking.
Productive thinking.
Reproductive thinking
Involving the systematic re-use of previous experience
Productive thinking
The novel restructuring of the problem using insight- more complex
