CHAPTER 8.4: Problem Solving

Question 1

what are algorithms

Answer 1

strategies based on following series of rigid rules to solve problems (like a computer) brute forcing every possible solution

Question 2

what are heuristics

Answer 2

problem solving strategies that rely on prior experiences!

ex. when playing hangman trying to make it more likely to find word based on what we know about how words are structued

Question 3

what are mental sets

Answer 3

programed routine ways of solving a problem! results when people memorize things!

(ex what diana was talking about with people literally copying practice problems)

Question 4

what is the nine dot problem

Answer 4

when someone asked to connect nine dots using only four straight lines without lifting their pen off the paper. rarely can do it because the solution requires them to continue drawing past the confines of the dots!

results from mental sets

Question 5

what is functional fixedness

Answer 5

when we only think of the most obvious use of an object!