Problem Solving and Creativity

Question 1

the problem solving cycle

Answer 1

1. problem identification
2. definition
3. Constructing a strategy for problem solving
4. organizing information
5. allocation of resources
6. monitoring problem solving
7. evaluating problem solving

Question 2

Strategy making (4)

Answer 2

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

Question 3

well-structured problems

Answer 3

have clear paths to solutions

Question 4

Problem space

Answer 4

the universe of all possible actions that can be made to solve a problem

Question 5

Algorithms

Answer 5

Sequences of operations in a problem space that repeat over and over again and that in theory guarantee the solution to a problem

Question 6

Heuristics

Answer 6

Informal intuitive strategies mental shortcuts - due to limited working memory capacity

Question 7

Isomorphic problems

Answer 7

Their formal structure is the same and only their contents differs

Question 8

Ill-structured problems

Answer 8

no well-defined problem spaces, no clear paths to solutions

Question 9

Insight

Answer 9

A distinctive and sometimes seemingly sudden understanding of a problem or of a strategy that aids in solving the problem

Question 10

Insight problems

Answer 10

You need to see a problem in a novel way restructure your representation of it to solve it

Question 11

Gestalt views of problem solving

Answer 11

Productive thinking - involves insights that go beyond the bounds of existing associations

reproductive thinking based on existing associations involving what is already known

Question 12

Mental set and 3 types

Answer 12

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

Question 13

Transfer and its types

Answer 13

Carryover of knowledge or skills from one problem situation to another

1. negative transfer - occurs when solving an earlier problem makes it harder to solve a later one
2. positive transfer

Question 14

Analogies and trasparency

Answer 14

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

Question 15

Incubation

Answer 15

Putting the problem aside for a while without consciously thinking about it minimizes negative transfer

Question 16

Brain structures in planning during problem solving

Answer 16

frontal lobes, prefrontal cortex

planning saves time and improves performance

Question 17

intelligence and planning

Answer 17

more intelligent participants take longer formulating a strategy and less time implementing it

Question 18

Expertise

Answer 18

Superior skills reflecting a well-developed and well-organized knowledge base

Question 19

Expert Systems

Answer 19

Developed to simulate performance in just one domain

Question 20

The Turing test

Answer 20

Can an observer distinguish the performance of a computer from that of a human? if not, the computer is intelligent

Question 21

Brain structures involved in Creativity

Answer 21

prefrontal regions, Brodmann’s area

Question 22

Creativity

Answer 22

The process of producing something that is both original and worthwhile

Question 23

characteristics of creative people

Answer 23

Divergent production (things to do w a brick), expertise, personality, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, investment Theory (Buy Low sell High approach)…