Problem Solving Basics
The cognitive process of going beyond the information you were given so you can reach a goal
What is thinking?
A solution that will always work in problem solving
What is an algorithm?
Solving words into symbolic representations like using M for Mary in an equation
What are symbols?
Consistently exceptional skill and performance on a task in a particular area
What is expertise?
Finding solutions that are novel and useful, involving ordinary or exceptional thinking
What is creativity?
When you construct a mental representation of a problem based on the information provided
What is understanding the problem?
A cognitive shortcut or general rule that is usually correct in problem solving
What is a heuristic?
A type of diagram showing all possible combinations of items; keeps track of many items in a complex problem
What is a matrix?
A mental state or attitude you need to solve similar problems in the past, using the same method even though it might not be appropriate
What is mental set?
The number of different responses you can make to a test item, measured in creativity
What is divergent production?
The way you translate the elements of the problem into a different format to help solve it more effectively
What is problem representation?
The strategy of breaking down a problem into smaller subproblems and solving each one
What is means-end heuristic?
The ability to solve a problem is tied to the specific context in which it is learned
What is situated cognition?
The belief that you have 'fixed' abilities and no amount of effort can make you perform better
What is fixed mindset?
The type of motivation where you work on a task to earn a promised reward
What is extrinsic motivation?
An obstacle that makes it difficult to go from the initial to the goal state in problem solving
What is an obstacle?
The heuristic where you work backward from your goal state toward the initial state
What is working backward?
Knowledge and control of cognitive processes; how it is related to insight problem solving
What is metacognition?
The belief that you can cultivate your intelligence and skills through effort and practice
What is growth mindset?
The motivation to work on something for its own sake because you find it interesting or challenging
What is intrinsic motivation?
This component involves deciding what you want to reach or accomplish at the end of problem solving
What is the goal state?
Using a solution to a similar, earlier problem to help solve a new problem
What is the analogy approach?
The tendency to assign fixed functions to an object which causes us to fail to think about an object in a different way
What is functional fixedness?
This phenomenon occurs when people's confidence in solving problems is greater than their actual ability
What is overconfidence?
A problem that initially seems impossible to solve but then an alternative interpretation is discovered
What is an insight problem?