Problem solving and creativity Flashcards
Insight
Sudden realization of a problem’s solution.
Restructuring
The process of changing a problem’s representation. According to the Gestalt psychologists, restructuring is the key mechanism of problem solving.
Problem
A situation in which there is an obstacle between a present state and a goal state and it is not immediately obvious how to get around the obstacle.
Analytically based problems
Problem that is solved by a process of systematic analysis, often using techniques based on past experience.
Mental set
A preconceived notion about how to approach a problem based on a person’s experience or what has worked in the past.
Candle problem
A problem, first described by Duncker, in which a person is given a number of objects and is given the task of mounting a candle on a wall so it can burn without dripping wax on the floor. This problem was used to study functional fixedness.
Two-string problem
A problem first described by Maier in which a person is given the task of attaching two strings together that are too far apart to be reached at the same time. This task was devised to illustrate the operation of functional fixedness.
Functional fixedness
An effect that occurs when the ideas a person has about an object’s function inhibit the person’s ability to use the object for a different function. See also Fixation (in problem solving).
Water jug problem
A problem, first described by Luchins, that illustrates how mental set can influence the strategies that people use to solve a problem.
Tower of Hanoi problem
A problem involving moving discs from one set of pegs to another. It has been used to illustrate the process involved in means–end analysis.
Goal set
In problem solving, the condition that occurs when a problem has been solved.
Operators
In problem solving, permissible moves that can be made toward a problem’s solution.
Initial state
In problem solving, the conditions at the beginning of a problem.
Problem space
The initial state, goal state, and all the possible intermediate states for a particular problem.
intermediate state
In problem solving, the various conditions that exist along the pathways between the initial and goal states.
Means–end analysis
A problem-solving strategy that seeks to reduce the difference between the initial and goal states. This is achieved by creating subgoals, intermediate states that are closer to the goal.
Subgoals
In the means–end analysis approach to problem solving, intermediate states that move the process of solution closer to the goal.
Analogical problem solving
The use of analogies as an aid to solving problems. Typically, a solution to one problem, the source problem, is presented that is analogous to the solution to another problem, the target problem.
Think-aloud protocol
A procedure in which subjects are asked to say out loud what they are thinking while doing a problem. This procedure is used to help determine people’s thought processes as they are solving a problem.
Analogical transfer
Transferring experience in solving one problem to the solution of another, similar problem.
Mutilated checkerboard problem
A problem that has been used to study how the statement of a problem influences a person’s ability to reach a solution.
Analogy
Making a comparison in order to show a similarity between two different things.
Target problem
A problem to be solved. In analogical problem solving, solution of this problem can become easier when the problem-solver is exposed to an analogous source problem or story. See also Source problem.
Source problem
A problem or story that is analogous to the target problem and which therefore provides information that can lead to a solution to the target problem. See also Analogical problem solving; Target problem.