Problem Solving Study Guide Flashcards
What are the Three aspects to problem solving?
These are representing a problem with relevant information
(know what the problem is); analyzing it and then effectively storing a solution (note the
importance of generalization)
What is the Problem Solving Cycle?
- define the problem
- brainstorm solutions
- pick a solution
- implement the solution
- Review the results
What are the two Problem Types? What are the main differences between solving ill-defined and well-defined
problems? Do these problems rely on different neural processes?
The ill-defined problems are those that do not have clear goals, solution paths, or expected solution. The well-defined problems have specific goals, clearly defined solution paths, and clear expected solutions.
What is a Problem space?
This refers to how a problem is represented, including the goal to be reached
and the various ways of transforming the given situation into the solution. The problem space
includes all the steps involved in solving a problem, including the goal to be reached and the
various ways of transforming the given situation - subgoals.
What is the trial and error approach to solving problems?
repeated, varied attempts which are continued until success, or until the practicer stops trying
good for problems with few outcomes
What is the means-end approach to solving problems?
the problem solver begins by envisioning the end, or ultimate goal, and then determines the best strategy for attaining the goal in his current situation.
is the most flexible and highlights the importance of sub-goals and recursion
What is the hill climbing approach to solving problems?
a classic optimization method that mimics the process of ascending a hill to reach the peak (the optimal solution). It iteratively improves the current solution by making small changes, and it’s particularly suited for local optimization problems.
a step by step, in one direction, approach that might lead us to a less optimal outcome.
What is the brute force approach to solving problems?
checks every possible solution until the correct one is found.
Not efficient
What Analogical problem solving?
This is a strategy in problem-solving when you recognize the
commonalities between different problems and use the solution to one problem to help solve another similar one. What are surface and structural details? What type of problems are often
solved with analogies?
Explain the difference between the expects and novices.
experts spend more time defining a problem and view a problem space from a more holistic
lens, but expertise is limited to the domain of knowledge. There are no structural differences in
the brain, but there are functional differences in how experts use their neural circuits
What is the Einstellung effect?
When a familiar approach becomes counter-productive or a person falls into
the rut of over-using a solution, leading to rigidity in problem-solving
What is Functional fixedness?
An example of the Einstellung effect. People have a tendency to see an
object as useful only for its usual purpose. An example of functional fixedness comes from the
classic 1945 experiment: Given a box of tacks, a candle, and a book of matches, the task is to
find a way to mount the candle to the wall. Most people didn’t think to use the box as a candle
holder. A box is thought of as something that items are put things into, not as something that
serves as a platform. What happens if we don’t know the uses of these objects (some children)?
We don’t get functionally fixed! Familiarity or pre-ultiziation with opens lead to functional
fixedness.
How is the “water jar problem” a demonstration of an Einstellung effect?
Problem: A Water Jug Problem: You are given two jugs, a 4-gallon one and a 3-gallon one, a pump which has unlimited water which you can use to fill the jug, and the ground on which water may be poured. Neither jug has any measuring markings on it. How can you get exactly 2 gallons of water in the 4-gallon jug?
What are Insight problems?
cannot be solved using a defined set of procedures (it is ill-defined) and
emerges from an impasse in which a problem has to be restructured (what kind of thinking is
this?) There are four main characteristics of insight problems – know these! How are feeling of
warmth, confidence and feeling of knowing similar or different with regard to non-insight and
insight problems?
Four Features of Insight Problems
*Suddenness: The solution pops into mind with surprise
* Ease: The solution comes quickly and fluently
* Positive: A pleasant experience, even before assessing if
the solution is effective
* Confidence: The solution is believed to be the right one
