problem solving Flashcards
what is a problem?
an obstacle between a present state and a goal state where it’s solution is not immediately obvious
problem solving
transforming a current state into a goal state
routine problem-solving
using previously acquired knowledge or techniques (formulas) to solve analytically based problems knowing that a solution will come
non-routine problem solving
known strategies do not guarantee a solution or the possibility for success (individuals often require insight) - cannot predict how close the solution is after insightful idea
Restructuring
problems are first presented in one way, individuals restructure the problem to make it more intuitive.
insight
sudden comprehension, realization or solution that involves reorganization of the situation and leads to an interpretation that was not initially obvious
What are some obstacles to problem solving?
- mental set = one’s typical way of looking at a problem. based on previous experience, someone might use the same technique which may not work
- functional fixedness = fixating on the familiar use of an object and failing to think of new ways to use it
operators
actions that take the problem from one state to another (i.e., moving discs from one peg to the next)
problem space
initial state, intermediate state, goal state
means-ends analysis
reduce the difference between initial and goal states by creating subgoals
satisficer
a person who chooses a path or goal that is “good enough”, rather than searching endlessly for one that is best or optimal
optimizers
Tend to have worse decision outcomes because they tend to be perfectionists (become fixated on how to find the most perfect goal)
How do expert solve problems?
- draw analogies
- organize their knowledge
- they are more positive and patient
3 steps to analogical reasoning
- noticing the analogous relationships
- mapping the correspondence
- applying the mapping
when shown 24 physics problems to solve and sort based on similarities, how did experts vs novices complete the tasks?
Novice = sorted based on surface similarities
Experts = sorted based on structural/deeper features
What is creativity?
Creating, originality, value
divergent thinking
Open-ended thought that produces many alternatives (use prior knowledge and other people’s ideas)
incubation
sudden insight after taking time off
High mind wandering leads to…(DMN)
an increase in creativity
What roles do the default mode network and the executive control network have on creativity?
The default mode network allows the mind to wander while the executive control actively network directs attention away from unoriginal responses
What is stronger in the brain for highly creative people?
functional connectivity between the DMN and the ECN
How does the left anterior temporal lobe affect creativity?
Because this area is involved in low-level pattern grouping, it’s deactivation and activation of the right ATL helps to generate creativity (9-dot problem - people with deactivated Left ATL produced more solutions)
If an individual possesses frontal lobe activity prior to having to solve a problem, what type of problem solving would they use?
Insight solutions
If an individual possesses occipital lobe activity prior to having to solve a problem, what type of problem solving would they use?
Analytically-based solutions
