WEEK 10 Flashcards
What is problem-solving?
A process of bridging the gap between the current state and the desired state using a goal-directed, multi-step approach.
What is analogical problem-solving?
Using past knowledge and experiences to solve new problems by identifying similarities with previously solved problems.
What are well-defined problems?
Problems with clear initial states, goals, and methods to solve them.
What are ill-defined problems?
Problems that lack precise specifications for initial states, goals, or solution methods.
What are knowledge-rich problems?
Problems that require significant prior knowledge to solve.
What are knowledge-lean problems?
Problems that can be solved without relying on extensive prior knowledge.
What are the two types of thinking in problem-solving according to Gestaltists?
Reproductive thinking (systematic reuse of past experiences) and productive thinking (insight and novel restructuring).
What is insight in problem-solving?
A sudden realization or reorganization of elements leading to a solution.
What is the nine-dot problem an example of?
An insight problem requiring constraint relaxation to solve.
What brain area is associated with insight?
The anterior superior temporal gyrus.
What is the representational change theory?
A theory stating that solving problems often requires changing how the problem is represented.
What are the three steps in representational change?
Constraint relaxation, re-encoding, and elaboration.
What is the role of incubation in problem-solving?
A temporary distraction that allows the solution to emerge after focusing on a different task or domain.
What is functional fixedness?
The inability to see objects in ways other than their typical functions.
What is mental set in problem-solving?
Relying on previously successful strategies even when they are no longer effective.
What is the “problem space” in problem-solving?
A framework including the initial state, goal state, intermediate states, and possible operators to move between states.
What are heuristics?
Mental shortcuts or rules of thumb used to solve problems efficiently.
What is the hill-climbing heuristic?
Making moves that bring the current state closer to the goal state, often focusing on short-term progress.
What is the means-ends analysis heuristic?
A method that identifies differences between the current and goal states, forming subgoals to bridge the gap.
What is progress monitoring?
A heuristic where individuals assess their progress toward a goal and switch strategies if progress is too slow.
What is cognitive miserliness?
The tendency to avoid effortful processing by relying on heuristics, even when effortful strategies would be more effective.
What is the Cognitive Reflection Test (CRT)?
A test assessing whether individuals override intuitive but incorrect answers in favor of effortful reasoning.
What is the role of expertise in problem-solving?
Specialist knowledge in a domain enhances the ability to recognize and solve domain-specific problems.
What are Type A and Type B problems in arithmetic?
Type A involves changing values in an equation, while Type B involves changing operators, requiring insight.
