Chapter 12 Vocabulary

Question 1

A problem involving acrobats that is similar to the Tower of Hanoi problem. Used to illustrate how the way a problem is stated can influence its difficulty.

Answer 1

Acrobat problem

Question 2

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.

Answer 2

Analogical encoding

Question 3

Participants in psychological experiments tend to focus on surface features in analogy problems, whereas people in the real world frequently use deeper, more structural features.

Answer 3

Analogical paradox

Question 4

The use of analogies as an aid to solving problems. Typically, a solution to one problem, the source problem, is presented that is analogous to the solution to another problem, the target problem.

Answer 4

Analogical problem solving

Question 5

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

Answer 5

Analogical transfer

Question 6

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

Answer 6

Analogy

Question 7

A problem, first described by Duncker, in which a person is given a number of objects and is given the task of mounting a candle on a wall so it can burn without dripping wax on the floor. This problem was used to study functional fixedness.

Answer 7

Candle Problem

Question 8

Thinking that works towards finding a solution to a specific problem that usually has a correct answer.

Answer 8

Convergent thinking

Question 9

A technique developed by Finke to train people to think creatively

Answer 9

Creative cognition

Question 10

Presenting a sample design influences the creation of new designs

Answer 10

Design Fixation

Question 11

Thinking that is open-ended, involving a large number of potential solutions

Answer 11

Divergent thinking

Question 12

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

Answer 12

Expert

Question 13

In perception and attention, a pausing of the eyes on places of interest while observing a scene

Answer 13

Fixation

Question 14

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

Answer 14

Functional fixedness

Question 15

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

Answer 15

Goal state

Question 16

A problem in which it is difficult to specify a clear goal state or specific operators. Many real-life problems are these.

Answer 16

Ill-defined problems

Question 17

In problem solving, the conditions at the beginning of the problem

Answer 17

Initial state

Question 18

Sudden realization of a problem’s solution

Answer 18

Insight

Question 19

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

Answer 19

Intermediate states

Question 20

Observing people to determine how they solve problems in real-world situations. This technique has been used to study the use of analogy in a number of different settings, including laboratory meetings of a university research group and design brainstorming sessions in an industrial research and development department

Answer 20

In vivo problem-solving research

Question 21

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

Answer 21

Means-end analysis

Question 22

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

Answer 22

Mental set

Question 23

A problem that has been used to study how the statement of a problem influences a person’s ability to reach a solution

Answer 23

Mutilated checkerboard problem

Question 24

In problem solving, permissible moves that can be made toward a problem’s solution

Answer 24

Operators

Question 25

A situation in which there is an obstacle between a present state and a goal state and it is not immediately obvious how to get around the obstacle

Answer 25

Problem

Question 26

The initial state, goal state, and all the possible intermediate states for a particular problem

Answer 26

Problem space

Question 27

A problem proposed by Duncker that involves finding a way to destroy tumor by radiation without damaging other organs in the body. This problem has been widely used to study the role of analogy in problem solving

Answer 27

Radiation problem

Question 28

The process of changing a problem's representation. According to the Gestalt psychologists, this is the key mechanism of problem solving

Answer 28

Restructuring

Question 29

A modification of the acrobat problem that is used to show how the way a problem is stated can influence its difficulty

Answer 29

Reverse acrobat problem

Question 30

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.

Answer 30

Source problem (or story)

Question 31

Specific elements that make up a problem. For example, in the radiation problem, the rays and the tumor are this

Answer 31

Surface features

Question 32

In the means-end analysis approach to problem solving, intermediate states that move the process of solution closer to the goal

Answer 32

Subgoals

Question 33

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

Answer 33

Structural features

Question 34

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

Answer 34

Target problem

Question 35

A procedure in which participants are asked to say out loud what they are thinking while doing a problem. This procedure is used to help determine people's thought processes as they are solving a problem

Answer 35

Think-aloud protocol

Question 36

A problem involving moving disks from one set of pegs to another. It has been used to illustrate the process involved in means-end analysis

Answer 36

Tower of Hanoi problem

Question 37

A problem first described by Maier in which a person is given the task of attaching two strings together that are too far apart to be reached at the same time. This task was devised to illustrate the operation of functional fixedness.

Answer 37

Two-string problem

Question 38

A problem, first described by Luchins, that illustrates hoe mental set can influence the strategies that people use to solve a problem

Answer 38

Water-jug problem

Question 39

A problem that has a correct answer. There are usually procedures that, when applied correctly, will lead to a solution

Answer 39

Well-defined problem