Lecture 10: Problem Solving & Creativity

Question 1

What is a problem?

Answer 1

An obstacle between a present state and a goal. Not immediately obvious how to get around the obstacle. Difficult to solve.

Question 2

Restructuring

Answer 2

The process of changing a problem’s representation. Changing this often leads to new solutions.

Question 2

How are insight problems solved?

Answer 2

Eg. riddles, are solved suddenly

Question 3

How are non-insight problems solved?

Answer 3

Eg. maths solutions, are solved gradually

Question 4

Fixation

Answer 4

People’s tendency to focus on one specific characteristic of the problem keeps them from arriving at a solution.

Question 5

Functional fixedness

Answer 5

An effect that occurs when the ideas a person has about an object’s function inhibit the person’s ability to use the object for a different function.

Question 6

Mental set

Answer 6

A preconceived notion about how to approach a problem based on a person’s experiences with similar problems.

Question 7

Initial state

Answer 7

In problem solving, conditions at the beginning of a problem

Question 8

Goal state

Answer 8

In problem solving, the condition that occurs when a problem has been solved

Question 9

Intermediate state

Answer 9

In problem solving, the various conditions that exist along the pathways between the initial and goal states

Question 10

Operators

Answer 10

In problem solving, permissible (permitted/allowed) moves that can be made toward a problem’s solution

Question 11

Problem space

Answer 11

All possible states that could occur when solving a problem

Question 12

Means-end analysis

Answer 12

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

Question 13

Subgoals

Answer 13

Small goals that help create intermediate states that are closer to the goal. Occasionally, a subgoal may appear to increase the distance to the goal state but in the long run can result in the shortest path to the goal.

Question 14

Analogical problem solving

Answer 14

The use of analogies as an aid to solving problems. Using a solution to a similar problem guides solution to new problem.

Question 15

Analogical transfer

Answer 15

The application of problem-solving strategies experienced in solving one problem to the solution of another, similar problem.

Question 16

Source problem to target problem

Answer 16

1. noticing relationship
2. mapping correspondence between source and target
3. applying mapping

Question 17

Analogical encoding

Answer 17

A technique in which people compare two problems that illustrate a principle. This technique is designed to help people discover similar structural features of cases or problems.

Question 18

Analogical paradox

Answer 18

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

Question 19

What is an expert?

Answer 19

A person who, by devoting a large amount of time to learning about a field and practicing and applying that learning, acknowledged as being extremely knowledgeable or skilled in that field.

Question 20

Schema

Answer 20

Knowledge of patterns you already know

Question 21

How experts solve problems (2)

Answer 21

Novice: surface features
Expert: structural features

Question 22

Divergent thinking

Answer 22

Open-ended; large number of potential “solutions”

Question 23

Problem solving as a process (4)

Answer 23

Stage 1: Problem generation
Stage 2: Problem formulation
Stage 3: Problem solving
Stage 4: Solution implementation

Question 24

Creative cognition

Answer 24

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

Question 25

Preventive forms

Answer 25

Ideas that precede creation of finished creative product

Question 26

Effect of sleep deprivation on creativity

Answer 26

Decreases

Question 27

What is Guildford’s alternate uses test?

Answer 27

People get objects presented that are associated with a certain use. Task is to come up with as many possible uses in a given time

Question 28

What are the stereotypes around mental illness and highly creative people? (2)

Answer 28

1. Highly creative people are more prone to mental illness (BUT this is not supported by data)
2. Their relatives are much more likely to be creative than the average population, genetic trait that is linked to both creativity & mental illness

Question 29

Latent inhibition (LI)

Answer 29

Capacity to screen out stimuli that are considered irrelevant

Question 30

What is LI critical for? (2)

Answer 30

• Critical to filter information protecting us from getting overwhelmed by information. This filter is impaired in some mental illnesses and reduced in highly creative individuals
• Reduced LI makes you more open

Question 31

Savant Syndrome

Answer 31

Synder 2009 suggested that Savant skills are present in any person but are normally not accessible to conscious awareness. In savants the lack of inhibition unlocks savant skills.

Question 32

What is Savant Syndrome often linked to?

Answer 32

Damage in the anterior temporal lobe

Question 33

Analogy

Answer 33

Making a comparison in order to show a similarity between two different things.

Question 34

Insight

Answer 34

Sudden realisation of a problem’s solution

Question 35

Means-end analysis

Answer 35

A problem-solving strategy that seeks to reduce the difference between the initial and goal states. This is achieved by creating subgoals, intermediate states that are closer to the goal.

Question 36

Mental set

Answer 36

A preconceived notion about how to approach a problem, which is determined by a person’s experience or what has worked in the past.

Question 37

Source problem

Answer 37

A problem or story that is analogous to the target problem and which therefore provides information that can lead to a solution to the target problem.

Question 38

Target problem

Answer 38

A problem to be solved. In analogical problem solving, solution of this problem can become easier when the problem-solver is exposed to an analogous source problem or story.

Question 39

Structural features

Answer 39

The underlying principle of a problem.
For example, in the radiation problem, needing high intensity to fix something surrounded by material that could be damaged by high intensity.

Question 40

Surface features

Answer 40

Specific elements that make up a problem.
For example, in the radiation problem, the rays and the rumour are surface features.