Understanding the Problem
What are the three components of problem-solving?
Initial State, Goal State, Obstacles
What are problem isomorphs?
It is a set of problems that have the same structures and solutions but differ in details
Algorithm
A solution technique that will always produce a solution, but sometimes it can be inefficient
The Dunker's Candle Problem is a(n)...
task where participants attach a candle to a wall using a candle, a matchbox, and thumbtacks, and the goal is that the candle should burn properly without dripping wax on the table
Problem-solving method that are letters representing unknowns...
Symbols
What is the importance of understanding and representing the problem?
It is crucial to understand and represent the problem to effectively solve it
Difference between surface features and structural features
Surface features are superficial characteristics that are obvious, and structural features refer to the underlying core elements of a problem
Heuristic
Cognitive shortcut that is often correct but does not guarantee to find a solution
How can moving parts of our body help in problem-solving based on embodied cognition?
It can help solve certain kinds of problems quickly and accurately, for example, mental rotation tasks
What is the problem-solving method most emphasized by situated-cognition approach theorists?
People usually learn to solve a problem based in specific contexts, therefore, they struggle to transfer that knowledge to other settings
Difference between situated and embodied cognition
Situated cognition highlights the importance of external environment and embodied cognition focuses on using the body and motor actions to express abstract thoughts
Comparing problems help in problem-solving in that...
It can expose similarities in structure that can facilitate the appropriate use of analogies
Means-end Heuristic
It is identifying the end that is desired and then figuring out the means to achieve it
Gender stereotypes impact problem-solving in that...
They can affect performance due to the threat felt from this
What does the elves-and-goblins problem teach about problem-solving?
It emphasized the importance of subproblems and working backwards from goal state to initial state
Situated cognition approach suggests that...
Our ability to solve problems is connected to the context where we learned to solve them
How does training help in using analogies effectively?
It helps people to classify problems into different categories based on their structural features to improve our ability to apply analogies
What is Hill-Climbing Heuristic?
Choosing the solution that appears to be the most quick and direct to achieve the goal state
Shih et al. (1999) demonstrated that Asian females...
When they were reminded of their ethnicity, they demonstrated a better performance on a math test compared to when they were reminded of their gender
preventing the administrator of the lineup from knowing the suspect's location, which reduces their influence on the eyewitness decision
Why is applied experience essential in education according to situated cognition?
Because intelligence tests frequently fail to show how competent a person is in solving problems in real-life situations
Role of practice in using structurally similar problems ____ targeting the problem can ____ the appropriate use of ____
before; encourage; analogies
The analogy approach...
Involves using a solution used for a problem in the past to solve a new, but similar, problem
How can creativity be improved with analogies?
progress in creativity can occur when individuals apply analogies to find solutions to new problems
Cost and benefits of using heuristics
They are quick and demand less cognitive effort, but they don't promise accuracy and may lead to errors