Psychology 100 Chapter 8 Part 2

Study Notes

Problem Solving and Decision Making

Problem Solving: Involves reasoning to validate conclusions or determine rational outcomes.
Decision Making: Selecting the best alternative from multiple options available.
Active Efforts: Problem solving is a proactive approach to achieve goals that are not easily accessible.

Types of Problems

Inducing Structure: Involves discovering relationships among numbers, words, or symbols.
Arrangement: Requires arranging elements to meet a specific criterion.
Transformation: Involves carrying out a sequence of transformations to reach a goal, e.g., solving a Rubik's Cube.

Specific Problem Types

Series Completion Problems: Example sequence is 11233455677.
Analogy Problems: E.g., "Merchant is to Sell as Lawyer is to Client."

Barriers to Problem Solving

Irrelevant Information: Misjudging necessary numerical data when solving problems.
Functional Fixedness: Viewing an item solely based on its common use, which can hinder problem-solving.
Mental Set: Persisting with previously effective problem-solving strategies, even when they are less effective in new situations.
Unnecessary Constraints: Assuming restrictions exist that do not, impeding creative problem-solving.

Reasoning Types

Deductive Reasoning: Derives specific conclusions from general premises; if premises are true, conclusions must be true.
Syllogism: A logical structure where if premises are true, the conclusion follows logically.
Inductive Reasoning: Uses specific instances to form general conclusions, commonly used in the scientific method.

Decision Making Processes

Insight: A sudden realization of a solution; often described as an “aha!” moment.
Heuristics: Mental shortcuts or informal guidelines that simplify decision-making, reducing cognitive load.
Intuition: Quick, subconscious pattern recognition that manifests as a gut feeling.

Insight in Problem Solving

Focuses on identifying goals and strategies to achieve them.
Insight occurs when the solution to a problem suddenly becomes clear, often through restructuring the problem.

Heuristics in Decision Making

Illustrates how people may misjudge probabilities and outcomes, as demonstrated in coin toss sequences.

Description

Dive deeper into the concepts of problem solving and decision making in Psychology 100. This set of flashcards covers key definitions and distinctions related to reasoning and intelligence. Enhance your understanding with practical examples and applications.