Fundamentals of Problem Solving
What are the initial and goal states?
The beginning condition of a problem and the desired outcome.
What is an algorithm?
This problem-solving method guarantees a solution by exploring all possible options but can be inefficient.
What is a hierarchical tree diagram?
This type of diagram represents all possible choices in a decision-making situation, often used in problem solving.
What is the situated and embodied cognition approach?
How our physical and social environments influence how we solve problems.
What are subproblems?
This strategy involves breaking a large problem into smaller, more manageable parts.
What are problem isomorphs?
This term describes problems that share the same underlying structure but appear different on the surface.
What is problem representation?
The way a problem is structured in the mind, which can influence whether it is easy or difficult to solve.
What is exhaustive search?
A chess-playing computer that systematically considers every possible move uses this method of problem solving.
What is a matrix?
This method of organizing problem information into rows and columns helps problem solvers systematically compare options.
What is a heuristic?
Unlike algorithms, this type of problem-solving strategy uses mental shortcuts to find solutions more quickly.
What is the General Problem Solver?
This problem-solving model aims to mimic human problem-solving strategies.
What is ecological validity?
A psychological concept that describes how well laboratory research applies to real-world problem solving.
What is a mental state?
Occurs when a person continues to use an old method even when a better solution exists.
What are surface and structural features?
These two types of features describe the superficial details of a problem and the underlying principles that truly define it.
What is a computer simulation?
This type of computer-based approach simulates human thought processes and decision-making.