Defining Problems
Something is only a problem when...
it is not immediately
obvious how to solve it.
What is the Gestalt Approach to Problem Solving?
Problem-solving is a function of how you represent a problem. Sometimes you need to restructure (change how you are representing the problem) the representation to solve the problem.
What are Insight vs Non-Insight Problems
Insight Problems: Solved all of a sudden with a flash of clarity.
Non-Insight Problems: Solved more incrementally or procedurally.
What is a Target Problem versus a Source Problem?
Target Problem: The to-be-solved problem
Source Problem: A problem/prior experience that shares similar properties with the target problem
Why does analogy use often depends on expertise within the relevant
domain?
Experts think of problems in terms of deep structure, novices in terms of surface structure.
What are the 4 general components of problems?
Initial State: Resources and conditions that you have when the problem arises
Goal State: The solution or resolution to the problem
Operators: A set of actions/processes that can be taken to reach the goal state
Path Constraints: Rules that cannot be violated.
How do Framing and Restructuring aid problem solving?
Problem-solving is a function of how you represent a problem. Sometimes you need to restructure the representation (reframing) to solve the problem.
How are "feelings of warmth" experienced with Insight vs Non-Insight Problems?
Insight Problems: Low warmth ratings and then a sudden jump (an “aha!” moment)
Non-Insight Problems: Incremental increase in warmth
What is Analogical Transfer?
Transferring one’s experience solving one problem to solve another, similar problem.
Your ____ influences how you search your memory for a ______ problem.
focus (i.e., deep or surface); source
Compare the Hill-Climbing Strategy of problem solving to the Means-End Analysis.
Hill-Climbing Strategy: Find some measure of the distance between your present state and the goal state then take a step in the direction that most reduces that distance.
- Doesn’t always work, because sometimes you have to move temporarily away from your goal state to achieve it
Means-End Analysis: Try to reduce the largest difference between the initial state and the goals state first then, solve sub-goal(s) (sub-goals may require moving away from the goal state; each sub-goal has its own initial and goal state)
What is a Mental Set?
A frame of mind involving a certain representation of a problem, its context and/or a procedure for solving it (includes your beliefs, expectations, experiences, knowledge, etc.).
Does an "Aha" Moment mean that a solution to a problem has been found?
No. “Aha” moments can be experienced even when the solution is not actually reached. It only means that you’ve discovered a new approach, one that you’ve not yet considered.
What are the 3 steps needed for Analogical Transfer?
1. Noticing the relationship.
2. Mapping the correspondence between the story and the targe.
3. Applying the mapping to generate a solution
Analogies are useful for leaning and memory because they highlight _____ structure.
deeper
What is the Problem Space?
All possible states that can occur when attempting to solve a problem given the constraints. Not just the states that will lead efficiently or directly to a solution.
How does a Mental Set hinder problem solving?
May cause you to adopt an ineffective strategy or make incorrect assumptions without realizing it.
What three things hinder problem solving?
Framing of the problem
Problem solver’s mental set: Preconceived way to solve problem
Fixation: tendency to focus on specific aspects of a problem that keeps them from arriving at the solution
Successful analogical transfer depends on understanding
similarities in _______.
structure
Analogies are useful for leaning and memory because they provide more _________ ____.
retrieval cues
Compare Well-Defined vs Ill-Defined Problems.
Bonus: is a well-defined problem inherently easier to solve?
Well-Defined: All four components of the problem are specified or known (initial state, goal state, operators, and constraints).
- Well defined does not mean easy to solve
Ill-Defined: One or more components of the problem are not specified or known.
What is Insight or an "Aha" Moment?
Any sudden comprehension, realization, or problem solution that involves a reorganization of a person’s mental representation of a stimulus, situation, or event to yield an interpretation that was not initially obvious.
What is Functional Fixedness?
Fixating on the typical function of an object. The inability to recognize that something with a certain use might also be used in other ways.
What are Surface Features versus Deep/Structural Features, and which do people tend to focus on when ineffectively solving problems?
Surface Features: Specific elements of the problem (tend to be focused on)
Deep/Structural Features: Underlying principles that governs the solution
Analogies are useful for leaning and memory because they can make concepts more _________ and more ______.
imageable; familiar