Problem Solving

Question 1

Problem Solving

Answer 1

Mental process directed at achieving a goal when you do not know the solution right away.

Question 2

3 States of Problem Solving

Answer 2

Initial State, Intermediate path, Goal State

Question 3

Initial State

Answer 3

Describe and define the type of problem

Question 4

Intermediate Paths

Answer 4

All possible states between initial and goal states.

Question 5

Operators

Answer 5

Actions that transform current problem states into others

Question 6

Goal State

Answer 6

A state of resolution

Question 7

Two Types of Problems

Answer 7

Well-defined & Ill-defined

Question 8

Well-Defined Problem

Answer 8

Have correct answers, easily solved by algorithms

Question 9

Ill-defined Problems

Answer 9

Do not have one correct answer, computers are not good at them, Ex. moral qualms

Question 10

The Behaviourist Approach to Problem Solving

Answer 10

Problems are solved using knowledge, trial and error.

Question 11

Reproductive Process in Problem Solving

Answer 11

Problem solving involves past knowledge from experiences. Relies on trial and error.

Question 12

The Law of Effect

Answer 12

Behaviour approach - good solution are recreated, weak solutions are not.

Question 13

Gestalt Approach

Answer 13

Problems are solved by considering them more deeply.

Question 14

Insight

Answer 14

When a solution to a problem suddenly occurs to you.

Question 15

Productive Process in Problem Solving

Answer 15

Thinking about a problem by manipulating information in your mind.

Question 16

Heuristics

Answer 16

Based on previous experience with similar situations/problems. Common sense. Beneficial during quick-decisions.

Question 17

Working Backwards

Answer 17

Focus on the end result in order to solve a problem.

Question 18

Means-End Analysis

Answer 18

Achieving a goal state by choosing subgoals that move you closer to the ultimate desired outcome.

Question 19

Barriers to Solving Problems

Answer 19

Ignoring Irrelevant information, functional fixedness

Question 20

Functional Fixedness

Answer 20

Perceiving an item only in terms of its most common use.

Question 21

Insight Problems

Answer 21

Problems in which the solution occurs suddenly in your consciousness

Question 22

Non-Insight Problem

Answer 22

Problems in which you must consciously work through each step of a problem to arrive at a solution

Question 23

Creativity

Answer 23

Being able to produce novel ideas that are appropriate and relevant to the situation.

Question 24

Sternberg’s Triarchic Theory of Human Intelligence

Answer 24

Practical, Analytical, Creative

Question 25

Practical Intelligence

Answer 25

Ability to understand and deal with everyday tasks. Street smarts.

Question 26

Analytical Intelligence

Answer 26

Basic academic problem solving, logic, puzzles, IQ.

Question 27

Creative Intelligence

Answer 27

Developing ideas, applying new ideas, creating solution.

Question 28

Ideational Fluency

Answer 28

The number of ideas a person can generate about a topic or item.

Question 29

Mental Sets

Answer 29

Tendency to use solutions that have worked in the past. Can make people blond to alternative solutions.

Question 30

Experts

Answer 30

Better at ignoring irrelevant info, better at noticing patterns, may be stuck in certain ways of thinking.

Question 31

Novice

Answer 31

Can think outside the box.

Question 32

Information Processing Approach

Answer 32

Problem enters the system, then information is pulled from LTM into WM to be manipulated and find a solution.