Problem Solving Techniques Overview
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Questions and Answers

What is considered a problem? (Select all that apply)

  • A situation that doesn't require any effort
  • A situation with a clear solution
  • A situation where the solution is not immediately obvious (correct)
  • A situation with an obstacle between the present state and a goal (correct)

Problem solving can be defined as the process of getting something you want while not knowing how to achieve it.

True (A)

According to Lovett (2002), what defines a problem?

An obstacle between a present state and a goal where the solution is not readily apparent.

Problem solving involving _____ was proposed by Gestalt Psychologists.

<p>restructuring</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the problem-solving approaches with their respective descriptions.

<p>Problem solving involving restructuring = Involves identifying similar problems and applying their solutions to the current problem Problem solving involving search = Requires a systematic exploration of possible solutions until a successful one is found Problem solving using analogies = Involves reorganizing the problem's structure to find the solution Experts and non-experts approach to problem solving = Investigates differences in problem-solving strategies employed by individuals with varying levels of expertise</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Luchin's water-jug problem, participants who started with problem 7 were more likely to use the ______ solution compared to those who started with problem 1.

<p>shorter</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of a problem space as defined by Newell and Simon?

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

The Gestalt approach to problem solving emphasizes the role of mental set in hindering creative solutions.

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

What is the desired quantity in the simplified Luchin's Problem 7 mentioned in the text?

<p>4</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the difference in solution rates for Problem 7 between those who started with problem 1 and those who started directly with problem 7?

<p>The difference highlights the impact of mental set on problem-solving. The participants who had established a mental set by starting with problem 1 were less likely to find the simpler solution for problem 7.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their corresponding descriptions:

<p>Initial state = The condition at the beginning of a problem Goal state = The desired outcome or condition at the end of a problem Intermediate states = Conditions that exist between the initial and goal states Operators = Permissible moves or actions that can be taken to transition between states</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the objective of the Tower of Hanoi problem?

<p>The objective is to move all the rings from peg A to peg C, following the specified rules.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a key characteristic of operators in problem-solving?

<p>They define the actions that can be taken to change the state of a problem. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Tower of Hanoi problem can be solved by moving one ring at a time, regardless of its size.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Tower of Hanoi problem is an example of a ______ problem.

<p>problem-solving</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a rule (or operator) in the Tower of Hanoi problem?

<p>A large ring can be placed on top of a smaller ring. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the means-end analysis strategy used for in the Tower of Hanoi problem?

<p>The means-end analysis strategy aims to reduce the difference between the initial and goal states by creating subgoals (intermediate states) that bring the current state closer to the final goal.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Tower of Hanoi problem requires a specific sequence of moves to reach the goal state.

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

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of functional fixedness?

<p>Ability to adapt to new situations by finding creative solutions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Functional fixedness and mental set are essentially the same concept.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the core idea behind Maier's two-string problem?

<p>Maier's two-string problem demonstrates the concept of functional fixedness. The participants struggle to solve the problem because they are fixated on the familiar usage of the pliers as a tool, hindering them from seeing its potential as a weight to create a pendulum.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Luchin's water-jug problems, the participants' tendency to use the same solution pattern across all problems, even when simpler solutions existed, is an example of ______.

<p>mental set</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their corresponding explanations:

<p>Functional Fixedness = A tendency to solve problems in a particular way, often based on past experiences Mental Set = Inability to recognize an item's potential uses beyond its typical function Maier's two-string problem = A classic experiment demonstrating the concept of functional fixedness Luchin's Water-jug Problems = A series of problems designed to test the concept of mental set</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of functional fixedness?

<p>Using a screwdriver to open a paint can. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Mental set can sometimes hinder creativity in problem-solving.

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

How can mental set be overcome in problem-solving?

<p>Overcoming mental set requires conscious effort to break free from familiar patterns and explore different perspectives. This can involve challenging assumptions, seeking new information, and actively looking for alternative solutions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Experts are less likely to generate alternative hypotheses before solving a problem compared to novices.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of experts in problem solving?

<p>They are more likely to use simplistic solutions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the concept of 'chunking' in the context of expert problem solving.

<p>Chunking refers to the ability of experts to group information into larger, meaningful units, allowing them to process and remember complex information more efficiently.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Experts are more likely to ______ inappropriate solutions during problem solving.

<p>reject</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the cognitive processes with their descriptions:

<p>Creative Cognition = Thinking outside the box and generating novel ideas Functional Fixedness = Being limited by past experiences and failing to see alternative uses for objects Convergent Thinking = Generating multiple possible solutions Divergent Thinking = Focusing on finding the single best solution</p> Signup and view all the answers

Expertise in one domain can easily transfer to another.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential drawback of expertise?

<p>A potential drawback of expertise is functional fixedness, which can limit individuals from seeing creative solutions to problems.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does expert performance in problem solving compare to novice performance?

<p>Experts are better at solving problems and are also more accurate. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary problem presented in Duncker's (1945) Radiation Problem?

<p>Destroying a tumor without damaging healthy tissue. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Analogical problem solving suggests finding a solution to a new problem by referencing a similar problem with a known solution.

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

In the Radiation Problem, what is the analogy used to solve the problem of destroying the tumor?

<p>Bombarding the tumor with multiple low-intensity rays from different directions, similar to how the General captured the fortress by attacking it from multiple sides.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Radiation Problem highlights the use of ______ in problem solving.

<p>analogical reasoning</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the Radiation Problem demonstrate the effectiveness of analogical problem solving?

<p>The solution to the Radiation Problem is found by recognizing similarities between the fortress capture and the tumor destruction. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Radiation Problem illustrates that analogy is only applicable in specific situations.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between the fortress capture and the tumor treatment in the Radiation Problem?

<p>The fortress capture is a military strategy involving physical attacks, while the tumor treatment uses radiation beams, a medical approach.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Solution

The use of an object to achieve a specific goal, such as using pliers as weights for a pendulum.

Functional Fixedness

The inability to see an object as being useful for any other purpose than its typical one.

Maier’s Two-String Problem

A problem illustrating functional fixedness where one must connect two strings that are apart.

Mental Set

A tendency to approach situations in a certain way based on previous experiences.

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Luchin’s Water-Jug Problem

A series of problems involving measuring specific volumes with different jugs, used to study mental sets.

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E.g. of Mental Set

Example of mental set: seeing a box solely as a container, limiting its uses.

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Efficient Solutions

Solving problems in a way that is quicker or uses fewer resources, often overlooked due to mental set.

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Comparing Participants' Solutions

Analyzing problem-solving approaches of different individuals to identify mental set influence.

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Problem

A situation that presents difficulty with no immediate solution.

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Problem Solving

The process of overcoming obstacles to reach a goal.

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Approaches to Problem Solving

Different strategies used to solve problems, including restructuring, search, and analogies.

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Restructuring

A problem-solving approach where the problem is redefined and new perspectives are adopted.

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Search Strategy

A method of exploring different options or paths to find a solution.

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Analogical Problem Solving

Using a solution from a similar problem to solve a new one.

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Experts vs Non-Experts

Different approaches to problem solving observed between skilled individuals and novices.

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Metacognition in Problem Solving

Awareness and understanding of one’s own thought processes while solving problems.

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Luchin's Water-Jug Problem

A set of puzzles that illustrate how mental sets can impact problem-solving efficiency.

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Shorter Solution Usage

More participants used the shorter solution in Luchin's problem when not under a mental set.

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Initial State

The condition at the start of a problem-solving process.

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Goal State

The desired condition to achieve at the end of a problem-solving process.

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Intermediate States

The various conditions that occur between the initial and goal states in problem-solving.

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Operators

Permissible moves or actions that can change the state of a problem.

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Information Processing Approach

A view of problem-solving that likens human thought processes to computer operations.

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Tower of Hanoi (ToH)

A mathematical puzzle where rings must be moved between pegs following specific rules.

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Operators in ToH

Rules governing the movement of rings in the Tower of Hanoi puzzle.

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Means-end analysis

A strategy to reduce the difference between the initial and goal states through subgoals.

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Subgoals

Intermediate objectives created to help achieve the main goal in problem-solving.

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Domain-specific expertise

Specialized knowledge that applies to a specific area; does not easily transfer to other areas.

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Problem-solving accuracy

Experts judge problem difficulties more accurately than novices and ask better questions throughout the process.

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Chunking

The process of organizing information into larger, more manageable units for better memory retention.

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Creative cognition

The mental processes involved in generating new ideas and solutions through creative thinking.

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Convergent thinking

A type of thinking focused on finding a single, correct solution to a problem.

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Divergent thinking

A thought process aimed at generating multiple possible solutions and ideas.

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Automatization of skills

The process by which experts develop the ability to perform skills without conscious thought, enhancing efficiency.

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Duncker's Radiation Problem

A scenario presented to demonstrate analogical problem solving, involving a general and a dictator.

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Laser Treatment

A medical technique using concentrated light to destroy specific tissues.

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Tumor Destruction

The act of eliminating abnormal tissue while preserving healthy tissue.

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Low-Intensity Rays

Weak beams of energy used to target specific tissues without causing damage.

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Radiosurgery

A modern technique that uses radiation to destroy tumors non-invasively.

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Multi-Directional Bombardment

Firing rays from different angles to focus treatment effectively.

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Organic Tissue

Living material that makes up an organism's body.

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Study Notes

Problem Solving

  • Problem solving involves a difficulty that's not immediately obvious, with a solution.
  • Problems are part of everyday life.
  • A problem occurs when a goal is impeded by an obstacle whose solution is not apparent (Lovett, 2002).
  • People face a problem when they want something but can't immediately figure out how to get it (Newell and Simon, 1972).

Approaches to Problem Solving

  • Restructuring: Gestalt psychologists believe problem-solving involves how people mentally represent a problem, and restructuring that mental representation by reorganizing it.

  • Search: Modern approaches (information processing) consider a 'problem space' with starting point, desired end point, and intermediate states plus allowed steps. Problem solving is essentially searching this space to identify the best sequence. Newell & Simon (1956, 1972) were proponents of this.

  • Analogies: Problem-solving often happens using analogies (parallels) between situations or events; the solution to a previously solved problem parallels a current one. Gick & Holyoak (1980) suggested this. Duncker's (1945) radiation problem is a classic example.

Expert vs Novice Problem Solvers

  • Expert problem solvers have a decade or more experience in their domain (e.g. chess).
  • Experts exhibit faster and more accurate problem-solving than novices.
  • Experts organize their knowledge differently than novices, focusing on underlying structures rather than surface features (Chi et al., 1982).
  • Experts take longer to analyze, rather than solve a problem. This allows more time for accurate problem representation.
  • Expertise is domain specific; experts are no better than novices outside of their expertise.

Creative Problem Solving

  • Creative problem solving involves restructuring and analogies, plus possibly new approaches, requiring novel and original ideas.

Metacognition in Problem Solving

  • Metacognition involves thinking about one's own thought processes.
  • In problem solving, metacognition is useful for identifying the actual problem, understanding what you don't understand, recognizing difficult elements, and monitoring progress.

Problem Solving and the Brain

  • Many brain areas are involved in problem-solving, particularly the prefrontal cortex.
  • The prefrontal cortex plays a key role in planning, strategizing, and connecting various aspects of a problem.

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Problem Solving - Cognitive Psychology Lect. Notes PDF

Description

This quiz explores various approaches to problem solving, including restructuring, search strategies, and the use of analogies. It delves into how these techniques can help overcome obstacles in reaching goals. Perfect for those looking to enhance their problem-solving skills in practical scenarios.

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