Chapter 12 - Studies

Question 1

What is the Problem Solving Cycle (Pertz et al (2003)?

Answer 1

1. Recognize the problem
2. Represent the Problem mentally
3. Develop a solution
4. Organize relevant knowledge
5. Allocate Resources
6. Monitor Goal Progress
7. Evaluate Solution Accuracy

(R.R.D.O.A.M.E)
Really Red Dark Oak Armchairs are My Eternity

Question 2

What is the behaviorist approach?

Answer 2

problems are solved using knowledge, trial and error

Question 3

What is the gestalt approach?

Answer 3

problems are solved by considering them more deeply

Question 4

What was Thorndike’s (1898/1911) theory? (Behaviourist)

Answer 4

Problem solving is a reproductive process that involves using past knowledge from experience to generate conscious solutions to problems. Rely on Trial and Error.

Question 5

What was Werherimer’s (1959) theory?

Answer 5

Reproductive thinking doesn’t encompass all thhe nuances of human problem solving. ie: insight!!

Proposed problem solving was a productive process (thinking about a problem by manipulating information in your mind)

Question 6

What were the results of Mair (1931) problem solving experiment where participants had to tie two ropes together?

Answer 6

1. Use the hammer to pull the rope to you

40% of participants solved the puzzle/ Experimenters gave subtle hints, which helped 38% of participants (some needed the hint several times)

When asked about it, most people couldn’t figure out the hint that was given to them (didn’t credit it) which means that the hint was processed at a level under consciousness.

Question 7

Explain Sternberg’s (1977/1985) Triarchic Theory of Human Intelligence

Answer 7

Practical Intelligence:
(Deal with Everyday Tasks - Street Smarts)

Analytical Intelligence:
(Basic Academic Problem Solving, Logic, Puzzles and IQ)

Creative Intelligence:
(Developing and applying new ideas, creating solutions)

Question 8

What were the results of Zirhlioglu (2012) study, looking at the relationship between problem solving and creativity?

Answer 8

There is a positive relationship between the capabilities of the two.

Question 9

Explain the Candle Solving Problem (Dunker, 1945)

Answer 9

Participants were given a box of matches, a few thumbtacks, and a couple of candles and were tasked with attaching the candle to the wall so it didn’t drip wax on the floor.

Question 10

Explain the Nine-Dot Problem

Answer 10

Task: connect the nine dots with 4 straight lines drawn w/o lifting your pencil…lines need to cross through all nine dots

(less than 5% of people solved the problem because most fixate on the dots forming a square, limiting their responses)

Question 11

Explain the water jug problem (Luchins, 1942)

Answer 11

Given: water jugs with varying volumes

Task: measure a very specific amount of water by using the jugs.

The first 6 problems could all be solved using the same, somewhat complex formula, however the questions that came after could be solved with a simpler one. HOWEVER, participants continued to use the original mental set on subsequent tasks.

Question 12

What were the results of Sheridan and Reingold’s (2014) experiment where they tracked the eye movements of chess experts and novices.

Answer 12

Experts:
more fixated on relevant areas
more time analyzing
less time planning
automated processes
more time matching problem to previous ones
use what they already know
RIGID THINKING - Automatic Processes

Novices:
trying to detect which areas were relevant
better at thinking outside the box
no rigid mental set
not confined by automated processes