Problem Solving and Creativity Flashcards
the problem solving cycle
- problem identification
- definition
- Constructing a strategy for problem solving
- organizing information
- allocation of resources
- monitoring problem solving
- evaluating problem solving
Strategy making (4)
analysis - breaking down the whole of a problem into manageable elements
synthesis - combining various elements into something useful
Divergent thinking - putting together a set of diverse possible solutions
convergent thinking - narrowing down the possibilities to converge on a single best answer
well-structured problems
have clear paths to solutions
Problem space
the universe of all possible actions that can be made to solve a problem
Algorithms
Sequences of operations in a problem space that repeat over and over again and that in theory guarantee the solution to a problem
Heuristics
Informal intuitive strategies mental shortcuts - due to limited working memory capacity
Isomorphic problems
Their formal structure is the same and only their contents differs
Ill-structured problems
no well-defined problem spaces, no clear paths to solutions
Insight
A distinctive and sometimes seemingly sudden understanding of a problem or of a strategy that aids in solving the problem
Insight problems
You need to see a problem in a novel way restructure your representation of it to solve it
Gestalt views of problem solving
Productive thinking - involves insights that go beyond the bounds of existing associations
reproductive thinking based on existing associations involving what is already known
Mental set and 3 types
A frame of mind involving an existing model for representing a problem or procedure for problem solving
Entrenchment - fixating on a strategy that normally works in solving problems that does not work well with this particular problem
- functional fixedness - the inability to realize that something known to have a particular use may be also used for performing other functions
- stereotypes - belief that members of a social group have particular types of characteristics
Transfer and its types
Carryover of knowledge or skills from one problem situation to another
- negative transfer - occurs when solving an earlier problem makes it harder to solve a later one
- positive transfer
Analogies and trasparency
We must be looking for analogies to find them
- not the similarity of the content but how closely their structural systems of relationships match
Transparency : people see analogies where they do not exist because of similarity of content
Incubation
Putting the problem aside for a while without consciously thinking about it minimizes negative transfer
Brain structures in planning during problem solving
frontal lobes, prefrontal cortex
planning saves time and improves performance
intelligence and planning
more intelligent participants take longer formulating a strategy and less time implementing it
Expertise
Superior skills reflecting a well-developed and well-organized knowledge base
Expert Systems
Developed to simulate performance in just one domain
The Turing test
Can an observer distinguish the performance of a computer from that of a human? if not, the computer is intelligent
Brain structures involved in Creativity
prefrontal regions, Brodmann’s area
Creativity
The process of producing something that is both original and worthwhile
characteristics of creative people
Divergent production (things to do w a brick), expertise, personality, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, investment Theory (Buy Low sell High approach)…
