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.
How does fixation impact problem-solving?
Participants often focus on irrelevant aspects, hindering their ability to solve problems requiring insight.
How do hints facilitate insight?
Subtle cues help individuals reframe the problem and overcome blocks.
What is the pendulum problem by Maier (1931)?
An insight problem requiring the realization that objects can serve dual purposes (e.g., using a wrench as a pendulum weight).
How does incubation benefit problem-solving?
It allows unconscious processing to generate solutions after a temporary shift in focus.
What did MacGregor et al. (2001) find about progress illusions?
Participants performed worse when they believed they were making progress, as they were slow to switch strategies.
How do algorithms differ from heuristics?
Algorithms are step-by-step procedures guaranteeing a solution, while heuristics are shortcuts that may not always work.
Why do cognitive misers fail some problems?
They avoid effortful thinking and rely too heavily on heuristics.
What did Duncker (1945) demonstrate about functional fixedness?
People struggle to use objects in novel ways, limiting their problem-solving ability.
How does expertise sometimes hinder problem-solving?
Experts can be misled by familiar strategies, failing to consider alternative, simpler solutions.
What are the stages of problem-solving identified by Wallas (1926)?
Preparation, incubation, illumination, and verification.
Why is “thinking outside the box” important in problem-solving?
It encourages individuals to challenge assumptions and consider unconventional solutions.
What is the difference between reproductive and productive thinking?
Reproductive thinking relies on past experiences, while productive thinking involves novel problem restructuring.
What did Sweller & Levine (1982) report about means-ends analysis?
People often persist with this heuristic even when it impairs problem-solving performance.
What is the “aha!” experience?
A sudden moment of clarity or insight when the solution becomes apparent.
