Problem solving and reasoning Flashcards
(18 cards)
What is problem solving?
- Two states: current position & goal
- Route between two not clear
- Route takes multiple steps
- Purposeful-goal-directed
- Controlled processes – not fully automatic
- Lack appropriate knowledge to generate immediate solution
An example of problem solving is making a cup of tea.
What are the characteristics of well-defined problems?
- Current position, possible moves, and goal well specified
- Example: Chess
Well-defined problems have clear parameters and solutions.
What distinguishes ill-defined problems?
- Current position, possible moves, and goal not well specified
- Example: Most problems in life!
Ill-defined problems often require more extensive reasoning and creativity.
Define knowledge-rich problems.
- Only solvable via relevant knowledge
- Example: Chess
Knowledge-rich problems depend on expertise and prior knowledge.
What are knowledge-lean problems?
- Can be solved without needing prior knowledge
- All information contained in presentation of problem
- Example: Most lab-based examples
Knowledge-lean problems can be approached with minimal background information.
What is the Monty Hall Problem?
- Pick a door
- One of the other 2 doors opened, revealing a goat
- Two doors left, do you keep with the door you selected or switch to the remaining door?
This problem illustrates counterintuitive reasoning in probability.
What is insight in problem solving?
That ‘ah ha’ moment
Insight refers to the sudden realization of a solution to a problem.
What did Metcalfe & Wiebe (1987) find about insight?
- Participants rated ‘warmth’ during problem-solving task
- Sudden increase in ‘warmth’ for problems requiring insight
- Gradual increase in ‘warmth’ for problems solved without insight
This study highlights the emotional aspect of problem solving and insight.
What evidence suggests insight may not be a separate cognitive process?
- Gradual accumulation of knowledge despite subjective experience of ‘ah ha’
- Higher order processes may gradually arrive at solution
This suggests insight might be a culmination of ongoing cognitive processes.
What are methods to facilitate insight?
- Hints
- Incubation
- Sleep
These methods can enhance the likelihood of achieving insight during problem solving.
What is means-end analysis?
Form sub-goal to minimize distance between current location and goal
This heuristic helps in structured problem solving by breaking tasks into smaller parts.
Describe the hill climbing heuristic.
Change present state to one closer to end goal
This strategy focuses on making incremental improvements towards a goal.
What is the importance of planning in problem solving?
Planning before trying to reach goal can lead to better performance
Research shows that careful planning reduces errors in complex tasks.
What is progress monitoring in problem solving?
Track progress towards goal and switch strategy if progress is slow
This adaptive approach can optimize problem-solving efforts.
Define expertise in problem solving.
High level of knowledge and performance in a given domain acquired through a long period of systematic study/practice
Expertise significantly impacts problem-solving efficiency and effectiveness.
How does expertise affect chess playing?
- Chess experts dedicate thousands of hours to practice/study
- Able to remember positions on chess board
- Fast processes and quick identification of relevant pieces
Expertise leads to superior performance and efficiency in chess.
What is functional fixedness?
The inflexible focus on the usual function of an object
This cognitive bias can hinder creative problem-solving.
What is a mental set?
Tendency to use a familiar strategy that was successful in the past, even when inappropriate
Mental sets can limit problem-solving flexibility and innovation.
