Chapter 12 cog

A set of 40 flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture on problem solving and creativity.

What occurs when there is an obstacle between the present state and the goal state?

A problem.

Define insight in problem solving.

The sudden realization of a problem’s solution.

What are the two types of problems identified in the notes?

Insight problems and noninsight problems.

What does the Gestalt approach suggest about problem solving?

The likelihood of solving a problem is influenced by how the problem is represented in the mind.

What is functional fixedness?

The inability to think of an object in any way other than its intended purpose.

What are self-imposed constraints?

Barriers/rules that we think must exist based on our own assumptions.

What is meant by mental set?

A predetermined idea about how to approach a problem based on prior experiences.

What is the importance of restructuring a problem in problem solving?

It may help to better represent the problem and facilitate a solution.

What is the Tower of Hanoi game?

A problem-solving game where the goal is to move a stack of rings from one peg to another under specific rules.

Name the three states in a problem space.

Initial state, intermediate state, and goal state.

What are operators in problem solving?

Actions governed by rules that move the problem from one state to another.

What is means-end analysis?

A strategy of eliminating differences between the initial state and goal state via subgoals.

Define subgoals in the context of problem solving.

Intermediate states that get you closer to the goal.

What is a think-aloud protocol?

A procedure where one verbalizes their thoughts while solving a problem.

What are the analogical problem-solving steps?

1. Analogical encoding, 2. Map corresponding parts, 3. Generate a similar solution.

What is the analogical paradox?

People often fail to see relations between analogous problems in the lab but use analogies in real life.

What characteristics contribute to experts' problem-solving success?

Vast knowledge, better information organization, and thorough problem analysis.

What are the characteristics of creativity?

Divergent thinking, novel ideas, and useful ideas.

What is the first stage of the creative problem-solving process?

Generation: Accumulate information to help identify problems.

What occurs in the second stage of creative problem solving?

Conceptualization: Analyze the selected problem thoroughly.

What does the third stage of the creative process involve?

Optimization: Generate and evaluate possible solutions.

What is the fourth stage of the creative problem-solving process?

Implementation: Carry out the optimal solution and use feedback to adjust it.

What was observed in the study by S. M. Smith et al. (1993)?

Those given examples drew creatures similar to the examples.

In Finke's (1990) procedure, what were participants asked to do with the supplied parts?

Create an object from preinventive forms.

What role does the left anterior lobe (left ATL) play in problem solving?

It maintains semantic knowledge, aiding in noninsight problem solving.

What is the function of the right anterior lobe (right ATL)?

It facilitates novel solutions, beneficial for insight problems.

What is meant by incubation in problem solving?

Gaining ideas after taking a break from the problem.

What is the Default Mode Network (DMN) associated with?

Mind wandering and the generation of creative ideas.

How does the Executive Control Network (ECN) contribute to creativity?

It helps focus attention on the most novel ideas.

What did Goldstein (2019) focus on in cognitive psychology?

The connection between mind, research, and everyday experience.

Who presented 'The secret sauce of creativity'?

S. Hall in a TED talk.

What does divergent thinking refer to?

The ability to generate multiple ideas or solutions to a problem.

How is creative thinking characterized in the notes?

By the interaction of the Default Mode Network and the Executive Control Network.

What is the relevance of understanding problem representation in creativity?

It influences the likelihood of finding a solution and fosters innovative thinking.

What is an example of a problem that illustrates functional fixedness?

Duncker’s Candle Problem.

What does the term 'evaluative feedback' refer to in creative problem solving?

Information received after implementing a solution that informs necessary adjustments.

How can mind wandering facilitate creativity?

It can lead to unexpected insights and novel solutions.

What is the significance of problem formulation in the creative process?

It ensures that the problem is understood thoroughly, setting the stage for effective solutions.

What do experts do differently than novices in problem solving?

Experts organize information better and analyze problems more thoroughly.