Introduction to Problem Solving

Applying learned formulas or procedures to solve problems, without adapting to new situations.

Adapting and restructuring learned concepts to find solutions to new challenges.

A mental tendency to solve problems in a certain way, even when a simpler solution is available; a mental habit.

The tendency to only perceive objects as having a limited range of functions, hindering creative problem solving.

A series of problems used in experiments to demonstrate problem-solving sets and mental habits.

Researcher who studied problem-solving sets using the water jar problem.

Calculating the area of shapes with non-standard forms.

Psychologists focusing on how the mind organizes experiences and perspectives.

Problems where the goal is to outmaneuver an opponent, like chess or a debate.

Skill and knowledge gained through practice and experience in a specific area.

Problems requiring prior knowledge and experience to solve.

Chess is a complex adversarial problem with a vast number of possible moves.

In adversarial problems, the ultimate goal is often not clearly defined.

Chess performance can be judged by who wins the game or by using a rating system to measure the skill level of any player, from beginners to masters.

DeGroot studied the differences in chess performance between grandmasters and skilled players, focusing on their thinking process.

Both expert and grandmaster chess players tend to consider a limited number of possible moves, not an unlimited number.

While grandmasters and skilled players consider a similar number of moves, grandmasters make faster decisions and choose better moves.

Computer chess programs analyze a vast number of possibilities compared to human players, evaluating billions of potential moves.

Deep Blue, a famous chess-playing computer, searches about 90 billion alternative moves for each move it makes.

Even though computers can analyze many more moves, human players could still beat the best computer programs until recently.

Mental shortcuts used to find solutions quickly, even if they are not guaranteed to be correct.

Using known letter combinations ('q' and 'u', 'ion') to guess the solution to a scrambled word, like 'question'.

A heuristic strategy for complex problems. Break the problem into smaller steps (sub-goals) to reduce the difference between the beginning and the desired end.

Smaller goals used to move closer to the main solution in complex problems.

The starting point of a problem.

The desired outcome of the problem.

A problem-solving system that incorporates means-ends analysis.

A general rule of thumb or a guide to problem solving, not guaranteed to always produce the best or correct result.

A solution that only requires one step to achieve the goal, rare in complex problems.

Breaking down or separating a complex problem into smaller, manageable parts to facilitate solution.

The process of finding a solution to a challenge or obstacle when the path to the desired outcome is not immediately clear.

A way of studying problem-solving by focusing on how people perceive and restructure the entire problem as a whole, emphasizing insight into its solution.

People tend to be more adaptable and creative in solving real-life problems, possibly because they're more motivated by tangible rewards and the relevance of the challenges.

Solving a problem by suddenly understanding and restructuring its elements to reveal a solution. It's like having an 'aha' moment.

Real-world problems often involve tangible rewards and immediate relevance, leading to finding solutions more efficiently.

The results from lab studies of problem-solving might not accurately reflect how people solve problems in real-life situations.

The process of re-organizing the elements of a problem to reveal a solution, often achieved through insightful thinking.