Cognitive Science 1 - Lec 17 Problem Solving

Algorithm

Logical, step-by-step procedures that guarantee solutions but are time consuming

Exhaustive search

Very time consuming way to find a solution

• Trying to solve an anagram by testing all possible letter combinations one-by-one

Heuristic

Rule of thumb strategy that allows one to reduce the number of operations that are tried in solving a problem

• faster but more prone to error

Means-end analysis/heuristic

Divide problem into sub-problems and try to reduce difference between initial state and goal state for each sub-problem

• hobbits and orcs problem

  • Sometimes necessary to move backwards which problem-solvers often unwilling to do

Newell and Simon’s General Problem Solver

a computer program designed in the 1950s to model human problem-solving by using means-end analysis to break complex problems into subgoals and solve them step-by-step, simulating how humans tackle novel challenges

Analogy approach

Problem-solving using analogy between the present problem or situation and some other problem or situation you are more familiar with

• candle and matchbox problem

Effective representation

Using diagrams or re-framing problems to suit one’s knowledge

• stick-configuration problem

Parallel processing

the ability of the brain (or a computer system) to process multiple streams of information simultaneously, such as recognizing color, shape, and motion at the same time in visual perception.

Insight

Sudden realization of a solution, often requiring perceptual reorganization

• linked to right cerebral hemisphere

  • EEG shows burst of high-frequency gamma-band activity over right anterior temporal lobe

  • fMRI shows corresponding Shante in blood flow in this area

• Enhanced by right frontal-temporal cortex w/ inhibition of left-frontal-temporal cortex

Distant future

Primed to think abstractly when thinking about this

• perform better on insight and creativity tasks

Confirmation bias

Seeking evidence that confirms preexisting beliefs

• Wason Card problem → turn over card that does not validate rule

Rosenhan Study

Study that found therapists may form less than accurate first impression of a patient and then only ask questions geared toward confirming that view

Mental set

Tendency to approach a problem in a particular way that has been successful in the past but may not be helpful in solving new problem

Nine-dot problem

Connect nine dots by drawing four continuous straight lines without lifting pencil from paper

Match triangle problem

Assemble 6 matches to form 4 equilateral triangles

Functional fixedness

Inability to see alternative uses for an object (candle prob)

Non-insight problem

Problem solved gradually using means-end heuristics and strategy-based solutions

• performance enhanced by verbalizing strategies while solving

• Left-hemispheric

Near future

Primed to think concretely when first thinking of this

• perform better on analytic tasks

Insightful people

Show greater externally oriented attention (Less occipital alpha band EEG activity) than analytical people during resting state

Show greater internal focus of attention during preparation phase prior to presentation of insight problem by activation of anterior cingulate & more alpha-band EEG activity over right occipital cortex

Wide angle vision

a broadened attentional scope that allows an individual to perceive a wider range of ideas or stimuli. In cognitive science, it’s often associated with insight and creativity, as it enables access to more loosely connected or weakly activated concepts, increasing the likelihood of novel associations and problem-solving breakthroughs

Reading

Causes activation of concepts

When done fast, it activates more concepts

• can be seen as analogous to an increase in broad associative activation

Rumination

Dwelling on narrow theme

Associated with depression

Creativity

Finding a solution that is novel and useful

To foster, promote condition that allow thought and perceptual processes to run more freely

Intrinsic motivation

the internal drive to engage in an activity for its own sake—due to interest, enjoyment, or personal satisfaction—rather than for external rewards or pressures

• promotes high levels of creativity

Extrinsic motivation

the drive to perform an activity in order to earn a reward or avoid punishment, rather than for the activity itself.

Brainstorming

Getting people together to get ideas out and completely suspend criticism (fosters creativity)

Incubation

Taking a break when you get stuck on a problem

Helps overcome mental blocks and promotes insight

Unconscious processing

mental activity that occurs without conscious awareness, where information is absorbed and influences thoughts, decisions, or behaviors without deliberate attention.

Can lead to better decisions

Neat environments

clean, organized spaces that tend to promote order, rule-following, and healthy choices, but may reduce creativity compared to messy environments.