Problem solving and creativity

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Define a problem?

an obstacle between present state and mind

How can we obtain new solutions to a problem?

By restructuring it in our mind

What type of problems are solved very quickly after a specific ‘trick’ has been found?

Insight problems

What is the rate of progress in solving a non-insight problem to an insight problem?

more gradual

What is an example of a non-insight problem?

Algebraic Maths question

What is an obstacle to problem solving?

Elements of the problem that intentionally obstruct a person from solving it

What was the obstacle in Dunker’s candle problem?

The match box was displayed as a container rather than a tool to help solve the puzzle

What is the term given to when we tend to focus on only one characteristic of the problem?

Fixation

What is the term given to when an object in a problem is restricted to it’s familiar functions?

Functional fixedness

What is the term used to describe a perceived notion of how to solve a problem based on past experiences?

Mental set

True of false: experience can enhance and hinder your problem solving ability

True

How can the idea of mental set be applied to social situations?

our mental set is our norms and prejudice when socializing with others

Outline the stages of the information processing approach to problem solving, from problem state to Goal state

Problem state, Initial state, Intermediate state, Means-end analysis, sub-goals and goal state

Why is the means end analysis phase for problem solving so important?

Reduces the differences between the initial and goal states

What is the link between the Russian marriage and mutilated chess board problem

They are analogous of each other

What is the term used for when a seemingly complex problem is transformed into an easier to understand problem?

Analogical transfer

What is an example of analogous transfer?

Dunkers radiation problem vs the paths to the castle problem

What is the term given to the elements of the problem that do not need descriptive context?

structural features

What is the term given to the elements of the problem that give it descriptive context?

Surface features

What is the term used when someone makes comparisons between the structural features of two different problems?

Analogical Encoding

What is the Analogical paradox?

Difficulty with participants performing analogical encoding in lab conditions

What are 3 ways that experts in a specific field can solve problems quicker than a novice?

Produce better schemas of knowledge, Chunking of structural features and focus on structural features

What is the difference between experts and novices when they solve problems outside of their field of expertise?

very little difference in ability

Outline creativity

The generation of novel ideas or the forging of new connections between pre-existing ideas

Outline the 4 stages of the Basadur creative problem solving process?

Generation, Formulation, solving and implementation

What did Smith (1993) prove when he asked participants to draw new animals?

The fewer prompts, the more creative the solutions

True or false: brainstorming ideas in groups can generate more ideas per person than brainstorming on your own?

False

What are four things that can benefit creative cognition?

Exercise, time in nature, sleep, good mood

Out line Guildford’s alternative uses test for creativity?

Give participant a household object and ask them to generate as many uses for the object in a given amount of time.

True or false: Highly creative people are more prone to mental illness?

False

What is the actual links to creativity and mental illness?

Offspring of mentally ill people tend to be more creative on average, suggesting a genetic link between creativity and mental illness

What is the term used for the brain’s ability to screen out environmental stimuli that is considered irrelevant?

Latent inhibition

How are ADHD and psychosis patients more disposed to more creative analyses of their environment

They have a reduced latent inhibition, they can process more objects in the environment

What is the neurological damage associated with savant syndrome?

damage to Anterior Temporal lobe

What can a damaged ATL cause in savant patients?

Outside of the box thinking