W1 Problem Solving

Problem Solving

The process of constructing and applying mental representations of problems to find solutions.

Well-defined problems

Problems where all aspects are clearly specified, including current state, goal state, and available actions.

Ill-defined problems

Problems with unclear current state, goal state, or available actions, often falling somewhere in the middle of the continuum.

Functional Fixedness

A mental block against using an object in a new way necessary for solving a problem.

Heuristic

A rule of thumb that is easy and quick to apply but does not guarantee a solution.

Algorithm

A procedure or set of steps guaranteed to find the solution for a problem.

Generate-test heuristic

A strategy involving repeatedly generating a possible solution and testing to see whether that solution is correct.

Difference reduction heuristic

A strategy that involves taking actions that produce the greatest reduction in the difference between the current state and the goal state.

Subgoal generation

A strategy that breaks down a big problem into intermediate steps or subgoals.

Incubation

The phenomenon where taking time away from a problem helps in finding a solution, particularly for insight problems.

Candle problem

A task of attaching a candle to a wall at eye level using a candle, matches, and tacks.

Bookworm problem

A riddle involving a bookworm that must consume one green pill and one orange pill from a set of pills of the same size, shape, and weight.

Nine-dots problem

A classic problem that requires connecting nine dots arranged in a grid using four straight lines without lifting the pencil.

Mental representation

The way our beliefs, knowledge, and memories are stored in our minds related to a problem.

Insight

A sudden realization or 'aha' moment that can occur without consciously running through all problem-solving stages.

Wessels' four stages of problem solving

Define the problem, devise a strategy, execute the strategy, evaluate progress.

Insight Problems

Problems that depend on a single key insight to find the solution.