Problem Solving

Well-defined problem

a problem that has a clearly defined goal state and constraints.

Ill-defined problem

a problem that lacks a clearly defined goal state and constraints. are often much more difficult to mentally represent, identify solution strategies for, and solve.

Defining and Representing Problems

the process of stating the scope and goal of the problem and organizing the knowledge needed for addressing the problem.

Functional fixedness

is focusing on how things are usually used, while ignoring other potential uses. Gestalt psychologists identified this bias as a common barrier to our ability to solve problems. It prevents people from thinking laterally. People are fixated on the formal functions of objects and miss other ways they can be used.

cognitive flexibility

refers to the ability to use things in unusual or innovative ways.

Associationist Approach: Trial-and-Error Strategy

The idea was that when faced with a problem we try out a solution and see if it works. If it doesn’t work, then we try another.

Gestalt Approaches

a problem solver goes beyond past associations, and solutions arise out of new productive processes. These productive processes include creating mental representations of information structured to achieve particular goals. Often the solution is the result of a sudden breaking away from past associations, resulting in a reorganization of the mental representation of the problem.

Insight

Suddenly realizing the solution to a problem. Using the think-aloud method, Gestalt psychologists noticed that people often get the feeling that the solution to a problem suddenly occurs to them, a kind of “aha” experience, rather than gradually developing over multiple attempted solutions.

Mental set

is similar to the functional fixedness bias. We tend to use the same set of solutions for similar problems, even if there are other, simpler solutions available. Both solutions are correct.

Analogical Transfer

using the same solution for two problems with the same underlying structure