Thinking 1 Flashcards
define ‘problem’
(Duncker, 1945)
when living organism has a goal but does not know how to reach the goal
what are the 3 crucial elements of a problem?
1/ starting state
2/ goal state
3/ set of processes (called operators as you operate series of task to solve solution) that can transform from one state of the problem into another state until you get closer to goal
what are ‘well-defined’ problems?
problems that contain all 3 elements
what are ‘ill-defined’ problems?
problems where it is not certain what rules can be applied in order to get from A to B
What are the 2 historical approaches to problem solving?
1/ Behaviourist approach
2/ Gestalt Approach
Explain the behaviourist approach to problem solving
- idea that behaviour = objective and observable
- idea that we can use units of analysis like stimulus response relationships
- problem solving occurs through trial and error
Explain the Gestalt approach to problem solving
- believes problem solving = more than a reproduction of a learnt response
- idea that we go through process of restructuring the problem and then have moments of insight
- moments of insight lead to AHA! moment
- AHA! moment = realizing solution to problem
Identify a psychologist that supports the behavioural approach to problem solving
Thorndike
Outline Thorndike’s study into problem solving
(cats)
- placed hungry cat in puzzle box
- in order to exit, cats had to perform sequence of actions
- door would not open without performance
- Thorndike measured how long it would take for cat to open puzzle box door
Outline Thorndike’s study into problem solving
(cats)
- placed hungry cat in puzzle box
- in order to exit, cats had to perform sequence of actions
- door would not open without performance
- food placed outside of box
- gave cat motivation to leave box and eat
- Thorndike measured how long it would take for cat to open puzzle box door
Outline Thorndike’s findings into problem solving
(cats)
- beginning took a long time
- as number of trials increase = time spent trying to get out reduced
- demonstrates number of trial and error process as cat learns what needs to be done to achieve goal (open door)
- demonstrates behaviourist view as it shows problem solving number of trials and error
what is meant by ‘incremental learning’?
this idea that in problem solving, it is solved through trial and error
problem is solved through collecting all information about problem from all resources available to come up with solution
as opposed to just spontaneously coming up with solution (insightful learning)
what is incremental learning now known as?
operant learning
Identify a psychologist that supports the Gestalt Approach for problem solving
Kohler
Outline Kohler’s study into problem solving
- studied colony of chimps and their problem solving behaviour
- chimp named ‘Sultan’ had a problem where he could not reach bananas
- bananas were outside the cage and beyond reach of Sultan’s arms
- if given a stick that was long enough, Sultan would use this immediately to reach bananas
- if Sultan given two short sticks that, on its own, could not reach bananas, he would give up and sulk
- after period of sulking, Sultan placed two short stick inside each other to create a pole long enough to reach
Outline Kohler’s findings into problem solving
- shows how problem solving = as a result of sudden insight
- rather than incremental learning of trial and error as proposed by Thorndike
what are the 4 stages of creative thinking?
1/ preparation
2/ incubation
3/ illumination
4/ verification
explain the preparation stage of creative thinking
this is where a problem is formulated and initial attempts are made to solve problem
explain the incubation stage of creative thinking
where problem is left alone, no conscious work done on it
explain the illumination stage of creative thinking
sudden inspiration provides new perspective/insight into a way to solve problem
explain the verification stage of creative thinking
conscious work done on problem, testing the new inspiration to provide full solution to problem
What study provides evidence that incubation is necessary for problem solving?
Silveira (1971): The Cheap Necklace Problem
Outline the Cheap Necklace Problem study
(Silveira, 1971)
- ppts asked to solve a problem
- problem:
Given four separate pieces of chain that are each three links in length
Told that it costs 2cents to open a link and 3cents to close a link
All links are closed at the beginning of the problem
Goal is to join all 12 links into a single circle at a cost of no more than 15 cents
CONTROL GROUP
- worked on problem for 30 minutes
EXPERIMENTAL GROUP 1:
- worked on problem for 30 minutes
- interrupted by 30 minute break
EXPERIMENTAL GROUP 2:
- worked on problem for 30 minutes
- interrupted by 4 hour break
Outline the Cheap Necklace Problem findings
(Silveira, 1971)
CONTROL GROUP:
- 55% solved problem
EG1:
- 64% solved problem
EG2:
- 85% solved problem
- suggests incubation DOES help with problem solving
