Problem Solving Theories and Types

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What characterizes insight problems compared to non-insight problems?

They lead to an immediate solution without prior knowledge.

They involve easily defined goals.

They allow for multiple mental representations during problem solving. (correct)

They require sequential problem-solving steps.

According to representational change theory, which process does NOT contribute to overcoming a problem representation block?

Elaboration of ideas

Reverse engineering (correct)

Constraint relaxation

Re-encoding of information

What is one of the key characteristics of non-insight problems?

They demand several consecutive steps to solve. (correct)

They require a single moment of realization.

They often involve trial and error approaches.

They typically have straightforward solutions.

In the context of problem-solving, what is the main function of the right anterior superior temporal gyrus?

It is activated solely during moments of insight. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an incorrect statement about the Nine Dots Problem?

It can be solved without any form of mental restructuring. Signup and view all the answers

What role does means-ends analysis play in problem solving?

It involves calculating the best route from the initial to the goal state. Signup and view all the answers

The Mutilated Chessboard problem highlights which crucial aspect of problem-solving?

It reveals limitations when physical components are altered. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of constraint relaxation in problem-solving?

It encourages creative thinking beyond established rules. Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of the hill climbing approach in problem-solving?

It may not result in reaching the peak of the highest mountain. Signup and view all the answers

Functional fixedness impacts problem-solving by causing individuals to primarily use objects for their intended purpose. What is an example of this?

Using a box of tacs to hold a candle instead of realizing it can be used to attach the candle to a wall. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of problem-solving, what does positive transfer refer to?

The ability to use strategies learned from previous problems to solve new ones. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes surface similarity from structural similarity in analogical problem solving?

Surface similarity concerns the superficial features of problems, while structural similarity regards the underlying principles. Signup and view all the answers

The results from Gick and Holyoak's study on analogical problem solving indicated that participants are more likely to

Use the same methods for different types of problems when given a narrative. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'negative transfer' refer to in the context of problem-solving?

Difficulty in solving new problems due to reliance on ineffective previous strategies. Signup and view all the answers

What was the key finding of the Holyoak and Koh 1987 study regarding problem-solving?

Participants were better at transferring problem-solving skills with analogies discussed in class. Signup and view all the answers

According to the representational change theory, what often needs to happen for problem-solving to occur?

Problems need to be reconsidered or restructured cognitively. Signup and view all the answers

In the candle problem experiment, why did performance improve when the tack box was empty at the start of the task?

It prevented functional fixedness from influencing their solution. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a key characteristic of insight problems?

They often involve a sudden realization or understanding of the solution. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Problem Solving: Types, Theories, and Transfer

Definition of a Problem: A problem exists when a living organism has a goal but lacks the knowledge to achieve it. This involves purposeful, cognitive processes, not automatic ones.

Types of Problems

Insight Problems: Require a sudden, "aha!" moment for solution (e.g., two-string problem).
Non-Insight Problems: Solved through sequential, incremental steps (e.g., Tower of Hanoi, algebra).

Theories of Problem Solving

Representational Change Theory: Insight problems involve multiple mental representations. Problems arise when the current representation isn't suitable, and solutions come from changing the representation in three ways:
Elaboration
Constraint Relaxation (e.g., re-encoding different possible actions)
Re-encoding (e.g., viewing pliers as a weight)
General Problem Solver (GPS): Newell & Simon's model where problems are represented in a "problem space." Problem-solving involves navigating from an initial state to a goal state using rules of thumb like means-ends analysis and hill climbing. These approaches rely on participant introspection during problem solving.
Hill Climbing: A suboptimal strategy. Involves focusing on immediate progress without considering the larger picture, leading to potentially suboptimal solutions.
Functional Fixedness: A common issue in problem-solving; existing knowledge prevents the discovery of novel uses for familiar objects. (e.g., candle-box problem).
- Negative Transfer: Preexisting knowledge hindering problem-solving ability.
- Positive Transfer: Leveraging similarity between current and past problems to find solutions.

Analogical Problem Solving

Gick & Holyoak (1980): Demonstrated how using a similar problem (e.g., fortress problem) can inspire solutions to a different but structurally similar task (e.g., tumor problem).
Surface Similarity vs. Structural Similarity: Solutions aren't just dependent on surface features but deep structural similarities, such as the underlying principles/relationships between elements of the problems.
Holyoak & Koh (1987): Emphasized the importance of both surface and structural similarities in analogical problem-solving.
- Surface Similarity: Similarities in visual presentation or context of problems.
- Structural Similarity: Similarities in the underlying relationships and strategies used to solve the problems.
Dunbar & Blanchette (2001): Studies on analogical transfer might be biased by researchers’ attempts to prompt specific analogies, leading to an overemphasis on surface similarity when participants' own analogies are considered. The natural inclination is often to discover structural parallels.

Problem Solving Examples

Mutilated Chessboard Problem: Demonstrates the importance of constraint consideration.
Nine-Dot Problem: Requires relaxing the constraints of straight lines to find a solution.
Tower of Hanoi: A classic problem exhibiting sequential steps.
Hobbit and Orc Problem: Demonstrates different types of problems and strategies.
Candlebox Problem: Highlighting issues like functional fixedness and the importance of re-encodings for solution discovery.

Transfer and Problem Solving

Transfer occurs in both insight and non-insight problems, although it is not always spontaneous. Transfer depends on the degree of surface and structural similarity between source and target problems.

Studying That Suits You

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

Description

Explore the various types and theories of problem solving, including insight and non-insight problems. This quiz covers critical concepts like the Representational Change Theory and the General Problem Solver model, enhancing your understanding of cognitive processes involved in resolving challenges.