Problem solving & creativity

Question 1

What is a problem?

Answer 1

An obstacle between a present state and a goal. The same problem can be represented differently in the mind, changing the representation leads to new solutions.

Question 2

Is insight sudden or progressive?

Answer 2

Insight problems are solved suddenly.

Non-insight problems are solved progressively.

Question 3

How is fixation an obstacle to problem solving?

Answer 3

People tend to focus on a specific aspect of the problem which therefore hinders solving it.

Question 4

How does functional fixedness cause obstacles for problem solving?

Answer 4

Restricting the use of an object to its familiar functions.

Question 5

How does a person’s mental set prevent them from solving problems?

Answer 5

A preconceived notion about how to solve the problem due to previous experiences with the problem. Either making you an expert problem solver or hindering your ability.

Question 6

What is the information-processing approach?

Answer 6

Newell & Simon’s tower of Hanoi problem, moving discs from pole 1 to 3 in certain order. Suggested that in order to solve the problem there are stages.

Question 7

What is the intermediate state?

Answer 7

Conditions after each step is made toward solving a problem.

Question 8

What are the operators?

Answer 8

Actions that take the problem from one state to another. Operators are usually governed by rules.

Question 9

What is the problem space?

Answer 9

All possible states that could occur when solving a problem.

Question 10

What does means-end analysis mean?

Answer 10

It is a way of solving a problem in which the goal is to reduce the difference between the initial and goal states.

Question 11

What are sub goals?

Answer 11

Small goals that help the intermediate state that are closer to the goal.

Question 12

How can problems get easier to solve due to presentation?

Answer 12

When information is provided that points toward the correct representation of the problem.
Saying out loud what one is thinking shifts the perception of the problem.

Question 13

What is analogical problem solving?

Answer 13

Using a solution to a similar problem guides solution to new problems.

Question 14

What is analogical transfer?

Answer 14

The transfer from one problem to another, source problem to target problem.

Question 15

What is analogical encoding?

Answer 15

Process by which two problems and compared and similarities between between them are determined.

Question 16

What is analogical paradox?

Answer 16

It can be difficult to apply analogies in the laboratory but people routinely use analogies in real-world settings.

Question 17

How to novices and experts differ in problem solving?

Answer 17

• Experts spend more time analysing problems.
• Experts are no better than novices when given problems outside of their field.
• Experts less likely to be open to new ways of looking at problems. (Struggle with problems that require flexible thinking).

Question 18

What is divergent thinking?

Answer 18

Open-ended; large number of potential “solution”.

Question 19

What is brainstorming?

Answer 19

Individuality, many ideas per person

In group, significantly less ideas per person.

Question 20

What is creative cognition?

Answer 20

Technique to train people to think creativity by focusing on creation rather than use.

Question 21

What is pre-inventive forms?

Answer 21

Ideas that precede creation of finished creative product.

Question 22

What is creativity affected by?

Answer 22

• Mood
• Exercise/physical activity
• Spending time in nature
• Sleep deprivation decreases creativity.

Question 23

Is creativity passed through generations?

Answer 23

Yes

Question 24

What is latent inhibition?

Answer 24

Capacity to screen out stimuli that are considered irrelevant.

Question 25

What impaires the LI?

Answer 25

Some mental illnesses and reduced in highly creative individuals.

Question 26

What is Savant syndrome?

Answer 26

In savants the lack of inhibition unlocks savant skills.
Often linked to damage in anterior temporal lobe.
Causing people to think outside the box.