Definitions
This is the process of going beyond given information to reach a goal.
What is thinking?
The starting situation of a problem is called this.
What is the initial state?
A step-by-step method that guarantees a solution.
What is an algorithm?
Translating words into equations is an example of this method.
What are symbols?
Effective problem solvers do this carefully when reading a problem.
What is paying attention to important information?
This term describes transforming knowledge to solve problems.
What is problem solving?
The desired outcome of a problem is known as this.
What is the goal state?
A shortcut or rule of thumb used to solve problems.
What is a heuristic?
A grid used to organize complex categorical information.
What is a matrix?
Negative thoughts can interfere with problem solving by causing this.
What is distraction/divided attention?
This refers to constructing a mental model of a problem.
What is problem representation?
These make it difficult to move from the initial to the goal state.
What are obstacles?
This heuristic involves reducing the difference between current and goal states.
What is the means-end heuristic?
These help visualize relationships and simplify complex information.
What are diagrams?
Mistakes like reversing variables or oversimplifying fall under this category.
What are errors in problem solving (symbol errors)?