Problem Solving Basics
In problem solving, this is the situation at the start of the problem before anything is solved.
What is the initial state?
This problem-solving strategy always produces a solution but can be inefficient.
What is an algorithm?
This is the tendency to rely on the same solution strategies from previous problems, even if another method is better.
What is a mental set?
According to research, creativity can involve both divergent thinking and this type of thinking, which focuses on finding a single correct solution.
What is convergent thinking?
Effective problem solvers pay close attention to this aspect of a problem's description.
What are inconsistencies?
This heuristic involves identifying the ends and then figuring out the means to reach them.
What is the means-ends heuristic?
The tendency to see objects as having only their traditional uses.
What is functional fixedness?
Measuring creativity by the number of different responses to a test item is called this.
What is divergent production?
The cognitive process of transforming knowledge to reach a goal is known as this.
What is thinking?
This heuristic involves choosing the option that appears to move you most directly toward your goal.
What is the hill-climbing heuristic?
The belief that abilities are fixed and cannot be improved is called this mindset.
What is a fixed mindset?
People tend to be more creative when they are motivated in this way.
What is intrinsically motivated?
When representing a problem, this method uses a chart or grid to show all possible combinations of items.
What is a matrix?
Using a solution from a previous, similar problem to solve a new problem is called this approach.
What is the analogy approach?
This type of mindset helps people believe they can improve their abilities with effort, leading to better problem-solving success.
What is a growth mindset?
This term refers to the belief in your ability to perform a task, and it is linked to intrinsic motivation and creativity.
What is self-efficacy?