WEEK 10

Question 1

What is problem-solving?

Answer 1

A process of bridging the gap between the current state and the desired state using a goal-directed, multi-step approach.

Question 2

What is analogical problem-solving?

Answer 2

Using past knowledge and experiences to solve new problems by identifying similarities with previously solved problems.

Question 3

What are well-defined problems?

Answer 3

Problems with clear initial states, goals, and methods to solve them.

Question 4

What are ill-defined problems?

Answer 4

Problems that lack precise specifications for initial states, goals, or solution methods.

Question 5

What are knowledge-rich problems?

Answer 5

Problems that require significant prior knowledge to solve.

Question 6

What are knowledge-lean problems?

Answer 6

Problems that can be solved without relying on extensive prior knowledge.

Question 7

What are the two types of thinking in problem-solving according to Gestaltists?

Answer 7

Reproductive thinking (systematic reuse of past experiences) and productive thinking (insight and novel restructuring).

Question 8

What is insight in problem-solving?

Answer 8

A sudden realization or reorganization of elements leading to a solution.

Question 9

What is the nine-dot problem an example of?

Answer 9

An insight problem requiring constraint relaxation to solve.

Question 10

What brain area is associated with insight?

Answer 10

The anterior superior temporal gyrus.

Question 11

What is the representational change theory?

Answer 11

A theory stating that solving problems often requires changing how the problem is represented.

Question 12

What are the three steps in representational change?

Answer 12

Constraint relaxation, re-encoding, and elaboration.

Question 13

What is the role of incubation in problem-solving?

Answer 13

A temporary distraction that allows the solution to emerge after focusing on a different task or domain.

Question 14

What is functional fixedness?

Answer 14

The inability to see objects in ways other than their typical functions.

Question 15

What is mental set in problem-solving?

Answer 15

Relying on previously successful strategies even when they are no longer effective.

Question 16

What is the “problem space” in problem-solving?

Answer 16

A framework including the initial state, goal state, intermediate states, and possible operators to move between states.

Question 17

What are heuristics?

Answer 17

Mental shortcuts or rules of thumb used to solve problems efficiently.

Question 18

What is the hill-climbing heuristic?

Answer 18

Making moves that bring the current state closer to the goal state, often focusing on short-term progress.

Question 19

What is the means-ends analysis heuristic?

Answer 19

A method that identifies differences between the current and goal states, forming subgoals to bridge the gap.

Question 20

What is progress monitoring?

Answer 20

A heuristic where individuals assess their progress toward a goal and switch strategies if progress is too slow.

Question 21

What is cognitive miserliness?

Answer 21

The tendency to avoid effortful processing by relying on heuristics, even when effortful strategies would be more effective.

Question 22

What is the Cognitive Reflection Test (CRT)?

Answer 22

A test assessing whether individuals override intuitive but incorrect answers in favor of effortful reasoning.

Question 23

What is the role of expertise in problem-solving?

Answer 23

Specialist knowledge in a domain enhances the ability to recognize and solve domain-specific problems.

Question 24

What are Type A and Type B problems in arithmetic?

Answer 24

Type A involves changing values in an equation, while Type B involves changing operators, requiring insight.

Question 25

How does fixation impact problem-solving?

Answer 25

Participants often focus on irrelevant aspects, hindering their ability to solve problems requiring insight.

Question 26

How do hints facilitate insight?

Answer 26

Subtle cues help individuals reframe the problem and overcome blocks.

Question 27

What is the pendulum problem by Maier (1931)?

Answer 27

An insight problem requiring the realization that objects can serve dual purposes (e.g., using a wrench as a pendulum weight).

Question 28

How does incubation benefit problem-solving?

Answer 28

It allows unconscious processing to generate solutions after a temporary shift in focus.

Question 29

What did MacGregor et al. (2001) find about progress illusions?

Answer 29

Participants performed worse when they believed they were making progress, as they were slow to switch strategies.

Question 30

How do algorithms differ from heuristics?

Answer 30

Algorithms are step-by-step procedures guaranteeing a solution, while heuristics are shortcuts that may not always work.

Question 31

Why do cognitive misers fail some problems?

Answer 31

They avoid effortful thinking and rely too heavily on heuristics.

Question 32

What did Duncker (1945) demonstrate about functional fixedness?

Answer 32

People struggle to use objects in novel ways, limiting their problem-solving ability.

Question 33

How does expertise sometimes hinder problem-solving?

Answer 33

Experts can be misled by familiar strategies, failing to consider alternative, simpler solutions.

Question 34

What are the stages of problem-solving identified by Wallas (1926)?

Answer 34

Preparation, incubation, illumination, and verification.

Question 35

Why is “thinking outside the box” important in problem-solving?

Answer 35

It encourages individuals to challenge assumptions and consider unconventional solutions.

Question 36

What is the difference between reproductive and productive thinking?

Answer 36

Reproductive thinking relies on past experiences, while productive thinking involves novel problem restructuring.

Question 37

What did Sweller & Levine (1982) report about means-ends analysis?

Answer 37

People often persist with this heuristic even when it impairs problem-solving performance.

Question 38

What is the “aha!” experience?

Answer 38

A sudden moment of clarity or insight when the solution becomes apparent.