Problem Solving Strategies and Obstacles

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson
Download our mobile app to listen on the go
Get App

Questions and Answers

What are algorithms primarily used for in problem-solving?

  • To generate step-by-step procedures that guarantee a solution (correct)
  • To simplify thinking strategies
  • To promote creative thinking
  • To find solutions through sudden realization

Which cognitive strategy is described as a simpler thinking approach that reduces options?

  • Heuristic (correct)
  • Algorithm
  • Insight
  • Trial and error

What is a key feature of insight as a problem-solving strategy?

  • It is more predictable than heuristics
  • It results from sudden realization (correct)
  • It relies on a step-by-step algorithm
  • It often involves prolonged contemplation

What does confirmation bias lead individuals to do?

<p>Favor evidence that supports their existing ideas (D)</p>
Signup and view all the answers

What role does the right temporal lobe play in problem-solving, according to brain scans?

<p>Facilitating the moment of insight (C)</p>
Signup and view all the answers

How does trial and error differ from algorithm-based problem solving?

<p>Trial and error does not follow a set procedure. (A)</p>
Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of Peter Wason's experiment with the three numbers?

<p>Students assumed the rule was counting by twos. (A)</p>
Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of cognitive tendencies in problem-solving?

<p>They can lead to effective decision-making. (D)</p>
Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of fixation that inhibits problem solving?

<p>Mental set (D)</p>
Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes intuition?

<p>It is recognition based on past experience. (C)</p>
Signup and view all the answers

What can fixation result from?

<p>Inflexibility in changing perspectives. (D)</p>
Signup and view all the answers

How can intuition affect decision-making?

<p>It allows for quick responses based on learned experiences. (D)</p>
Signup and view all the answers

What role does the unconscious mind play in intuition?

<p>It aids in processing information without conscious awareness. (C)</p>
Signup and view all the answers

When might it be beneficial to 'sleep on' a complex decision?

<p>When you want your unconscious mind to work on the problem. (D)</p>
Signup and view all the answers

How do smart thinkers typically use intuition in their decision-making?

<p>They balance intuitive thoughts with evidence and critical thinking. (A)</p>
Signup and view all the answers

What is confirmation bias?

<p>The tendency to look for evidence that supports existing beliefs. (A)</p>
Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Problem Solving Strategies

Different methods used to find solutions to problems.

Algorithms

Step-by-step procedures that guarantee a solution, but can be slow.

Heuristics

Simpler thinking strategies to reduce options and find solutions faster.

Insight

A sudden realization of a solution to a problem, not a strategy-based solution.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Confirmation Bias

The tendency to search for information that confirms pre-existing beliefs.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Brain Activity—Insight

Frontal lobes active before insight; right temporal lobes active during insight.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Trial and Error

A problem-solving approach that tests different options until a solution is found.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Example of Heuristic

Grouping similar letters or removing unlikely combinations to solve a word puzzle faster.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Fixation

The inability to approach a problem from a fresh perspective, hindering problem-solving. It prevents us from seeing new possibilities and solutions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Mental Set

The tendency to approach problems with the mindset of what worked in the past. This can be helpful, but it can also limit problem-solving by preventing us from considering different approaches.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Intuition

Recognition born of experience. It's implicit knowledge stored in our brains that we can't easily articulate, but can be seen in our quick and accurate judgments.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Unconscious Influence

Our unconscious mind actively processes information while we focus on other things, impacting our judgments without our awareness.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Smart Thinking & Intuition

Effective problem-solving involves both conscious and unconscious processing. We use intuitive, unconscious insights, then evaluating them critically.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Benefits of Deliberate Thought

While intuition can be helpful, deliberate, conscious thought is often essential for accurate and effective problem-solving.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Two-Track Mind

Our conscious and unconscious minds work in harmony. Conscious thought evaluates intuitive insights, making us smarter.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Problem Solving Strategies and Obstacles

  • Problem-solving strategies: Trial and error, algorithms (step-by-step procedures guaranteeing a solution), heuristics (simpler thinking strategies), and insight (sudden realization).
  • Algorithms: Guaranteed solutions but can be laborious, such as trying every letter combination to solve SPLOYOGHYG.
  • Heuristics: Faster strategies that simplify problem-solving by eliminating less likely options (e.g. grouping similar letters in SPLOYOCHYG).
  • Insight: Sudden comprehension of a problem's solution, often involving activity in specific brain regions (frontal lobe for focusing, right temporal lobe for revelation). Insight is not limited to humans; chimpanzees and birds also demonstrate similar problem-solving abilities.

Cognitive Tendencies Hindering Problem Solving

  • Confirmation bias: Tendency to seek evidence confirming one's view while ignoring contradicting evidence. Examples from the Wason experiment (students' assumption the rule was counting by twos when another rule explained the pattern).
  • Fixation: Inability to view a problem from a fresh perspective, hampering effective decision-making.
  • Mental set: Tendency to approach a problem with a mindset based on previous successes, even if newer strategies might be more effective (e.g. numerical pattern in the example sequence O-T-T-F-?).

The Power and Perils of Intuition

  • Intuition: Recognition born of experience (implicit knowledge), leading to quick judgements based on learned associations in experienced individuals (e.g. nurses, firefighters).
  • Adaptive Intuition: Intuition is generally useful because learned associations from experience aid in survival and decision-making.
  • Unconscious Processes: Intuition relies on unconscious mind processes, which play a role in complex decision-making. Although studies are not uniform, sometimes unconscious thought can improve decision-making in a complex scenario.
  • Critical evaluation: Smart thinkers require intentional critical thinking beyond immediate intuitive judgements.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

More Like This

Use Quizgecko on...
Open
Browser
Browser