Problem Solving Approaches Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is a key characteristic of divergent thinking?

  • It involves systematic and logical steps.
  • It leads to a wider range of possible solutions. (correct)
  • It is based on established rules and procedures.
  • It focuses on finding a single, correct solution.

What is the core characteristic of an "insight problem" as described in the provided text?

  • The solution is found through a gradual, step-by-step approach.
  • The problem requires a specific set of tools or formulas for its solution.
  • The problem requires a significant amount of time to solve.
  • The solution involves a sudden realization or an 'Aha!' moment. (correct)

How is the 're-representation' of a problem described as being useful in the provided text?

  • It provides a way to systematically break down the problem into smaller parts.
  • It creates a mental picture of the problem with clear goals and constraints.
  • It helps to identify underlying patterns and hidden relationships in the problem. (correct)
  • It allows for a more complex understanding of the problem's context.

How does the "Triangle Problem" demonstrate the concept of insight?

<p>The solution is often found through a sudden realization of a simple yet effective move. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Based on the text, which of the following is NOT mentioned as a potential obstacle to effective problem solving?

<p>The application of creative thinking to find a solution can be a significant obstacle. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic differentiating insight problems from other kinds of problems?

<p>Insight problems involve a sudden realization or breakthrough, rather than a gradual progression. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a key obstacle that can hinder problem-solving, according to the provided content?

<p>Failure to recognize the true nature of the problem (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of divergent thinking, as described in the content?

<p>Involves generating a wide range of possible solutions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common application of metacognition in problem-solving, as discussed in the text?

<p>Determining the most efficient algorithm for a given problem (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The content highlights that thinking about thinking is known as:

<p>Metacognition (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the use of analogies in problem-solving, as presented in the content?

<p>A way to apply knowledge from previous experiences to new situations (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest about the relationship between the brain and problem solving?

<p>Problem solving involves a network of interconnected brain areas working together. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of convergent thinking as applied to problem solving?

<p>Finding a single correct solution to a well-defined problem (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The text describes a test of creativity where participants are asked to:

<p>Come up with as many uses for a common object as possible (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a limitation of Means-Ends Analysis?

<p>It is particularly well-suited for problems requiring creative solutions and divergent thinking. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what is a key characteristic of analogical problem solving?

<p>It focuses on identifying similarities between different situations or events to find potential solutions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the phenomenon where individuals struggle to see alternative solutions to a problem, even when they are readily available?

<p>Insight Problem (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a classic example of an ill-defined problem?

<p>Designing a new product based on market research (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes the process of breaking down a problem into subgoals in Means-Ends Analysis?

<p>Identify the overall goal, then create smaller, more manageable goals that lead to the final solution. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The concept of 'functional fixedness' is a key obstacle in problem-solving. Which of the following scenarios best illustrates this concept?

<p>A person is unable to see a new use for a familiar object, as they are stuck in their traditional way of thinking about it. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Duncker's Radiation Problem is a classic example of a problem that can be solved using analogical reasoning. What is the key concept behind this solution?

<p>Comparing the problem to a similar situation and applying a solution that worked in that context. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of an insight problem?

<p>A highly structured and systematic approach to problem-solving. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Means-ends Analysis

A problem-solving method focusing on reducing the gap between initial and goal states through subgoals.

Goal State

The desired outcome or position one aims to achieve in problem solving.

Subgoal

A smaller, interim goal that contributes to achieving the overall goal state.

Operators

Actions or strategies applied in problem solving to move from one state to another.

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Ill-defined Problems

Problems that lack clear goals or specific operators, making them challenging to solve.

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Analogies in Problem Solving

Using parallels between different situations to find solutions based on known examples.

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Duncker’s Radiation Problem

A classic example illustrating analogical problem solving with a tough medical scenario.

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Steps in Means-ends Analysis

  1. Set a goal/subgoal, 2. Judge differences, 3. Find operators, 4. Apply them.
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Re-representation

Changing the way a problem is perceived to find a solution.

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Insight

A sudden realization of a problem’s solution, often described as an 'Aha!' moment.

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Triangle Problem

An insight problem where moving pins changes the orientation of a triangle.

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Obstacles to Problem Solving

Challenges that can arise in solving problems, sometimes due to prior experiences.

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Circle Problem Solution

For a circle with radius r, the solution is x = r.

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Convergent Thinking

A type of thinking that seeks one correct solution to a problem.

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Divergent Thinking

A creative thinking process that generates multiple potential solutions to a problem.

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Creative Problem Solving

A method that emphasizes originality and exploring many possible solutions without a definitive answer.

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Metacognition

Awareness and understanding of one's own thought processes, or 'thinking about thinking.'

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Identifying the Problem

Using metacognition to clarify the specific issue that needs resolution.

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Recognizing Difficulties

Awareness of parts of a problem that are challenging to understand or solve.

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Monitoring Performance

The ability to keep track of your progress when solving problems.

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Brain Areas in Problem Solving

Multiple regions of the brain are involved in the thinking and problem-solving process.

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Study Notes

Problem Solving

  • Problem solving involves a difficulty that has a solution not immediately obvious.
  • Every day, people face problems that require solutions.
  • Problems occur when there's an obstacle between the present state and a desired goal, and it isn't immediately apparent how to overcome it (Lovett, 2002).
  • The situation people face when they desire something, but don't know the immediate steps (Newell and Simon, 1972).

Approaches to Problem Solving

  • Restructuring:

    • Proposed by Gestalt psychologists.
    • Understanding how people represent problems mentally and how restructuring (reorganizing) these representations aids in solving them.

  • Search:

    • Information processing approach (Newell & Simon, 1956,1972).
    • A problem space involves initial, goal, and intermediate states, alongside operators (permissible moves).
    • Problem solving equates to searching this space effectively.
      • Example: Tower of Hanoi problem (ToH).

  • Analogies:

    • Recognition of parallels between different situations/problems.
    • Identifying analogous situations or events aids problem-solving.
      • Example: Duncker's (1945) Radiation problem and solution from "The General's" problem (solving a problem by analogy with another problem).
      • Steps in the process (Gick & Holyoak 1980):
        • Noticing a relationship.
        • Mapping corresponding elements.
        • Applying these principles/connections to create novel solutions.

Experts vs. Novices

  • Experts have at least 10yrs of experience in a domain (e.g., Chess, Physics).
  • Experts solve problems more efficiently (faster & more accurately) and are more adept (better insight).
  • Experts process information in larger units (chunking) , have better organized knowledge, delve deeper to understand the underlying structure of a problem rather than superficial aspects.
  • Experts take more time understanding and analyzing a problem compared to novices.
  • Expertise is domain-specific; it doesn't transfer to unrelated domains.

Creative Cognition

  • Creativity involves originality and expressiveness.
  • Creative problem-solving includes restructuring, searching, and using analogies.

Metacognition

  • Metacognition is "thinking about thinking"; it comprises people's understanding of their thought processes.
  • Metacognitive skills are helpful in problem-solving.
  • Individuals using metacognition in problem-solving examine their understanding of a problem while working on it.
  • They identify parts they don't understand, monitor their performance, and evaluate the difficulty of different aspects.

Problem Solving and the Brain

  • Prefrontal Cortex (PFC): pivotal in planning, executing strategies, as well as making connections within problems.
  • Other brain areas also participate in problem-solving, especially those involved in different tasks.

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