problem solving and creativity

Question 1

problem solving cycle

Answer 1

1. problem identification
2. problem definition
   - multiple definitions give us more possible solutions
3. strategy formation
   - goals and subgoals
4. organization of information
   - organize info in a way that will help carry out best strategy
5. resource allocation
6. monitoring
   - be aware of process
7. evaluation
   - evaluate solution once you are finished

Question 2

types of problems

Answer 2

well-structured problems
- clear path to a solution
- ex: math problems

ill-structured problems
- lack a clear path to a solution
- ex: writing a paper

Question 3

heuristics
means ends analysis

Answer 3

• compare current state with goal and choose an action to bring you closer to the goal

ex: to win monopoly, you need to buy properties, then buy houses, then buy hotels

ex: tower of hanoi
- move one at a time to achieve goal state

Question 4

working forward

Answer 4

start at initial state and work to goal state

ex: pemdas, do parenthases first to achieve goal state

Question 5

working backwards

Answer 5

figure out last step needed to reach goal
ex: lost keys, try to remember the last time you used then and work backwards

Question 6

heuristics
trial and error

Answer 6

create possibilities, test them, and discard the incorrect ones

Question 7

types of problems
isomorphic, problem representation, strategy formation

Answer 7

isomorphic problems (analogies)
- formal structure is the same but details are different
ex: math problems, you do the same steps but with different numbers

problem representation
- determine what information is relevant and what is not

strategy formation
- select strategy
- analysis
- break into sub goals

Question 8

obstacles
1. mental set
2. functional fixedness

Answer 8

1. mental set
   - seeing a problem in a certain way instead of other ways due to experience/context
   ex: bar problem; bartender is actually a robber and that is why he shot the guy
2. functional fixedness
   - an inability to assign new functions and roles to elements of a problem
   ex: 2 string problem, solution is to swing one so that you can reach both

Question 9

expertise vs novice

Answer 9

expertise: not a general ability
- extensive knowledge they use to organize, represent, and interpret information

ex: chess players remembered more pieces from a board that was in the middle of a game than novice players; when trying to remember random pieces in random spots, chess players and novice players did about the same

Question 10

experts are generally better than novices:

Answer 10

• better schemas
• well organized knowledge
• more appropriate strategies
• faster at solving problems
• more accurate

Question 11

what is creativity

Answer 11

the process of creating something original and worthwhile

multiple views that emphasize:
- product
- person creating product
- creative process
- creative environment

Question 12

how can we measure creatvity

Answer 12

psychometric view: emphasis on measure of product a person creates

process approach: not everyone is special, its the hard work and dedication that leads to creativity

personality approach: who you are; way of looking at things; intrinsic motivation

environmental view: historical/social context in which the product is made

Gardner: says it is all of them; the most creative people have strengths in more than one intelligence