Chapter 12- Problem-Solving & Creativity

Insight

a sudden realization of a problem’s solution, often following restructuring

Insight problem

solved suddenly

Non-insight problem

solved gradually

Restructuring

changing representation of a problem to make the solution apparent

Fixation

a failure to see a problem from a new perspective

Functional fixedness

restricting the use of an object to its familiar functions

Mental set

a preconceived notion about how to approach a problem

Initial state

conditions at the beginning of a problem

Goal state

solution to the problem

Intermediate state

conditions after each step is made toward a solution problem

Operators

actions that take the problem from one state to another

Problem space

all possible states that could occur when solving a problem

Means-end analysis

reduce the difference between the initial and goal states

Subgoals

small goals that help create intermediate states that are closer to the goal

Mutilated checkerboard problem

easier to solve when info is provided that points toward the correct representation of the problem

Think-aloud protocol

participants verbalize their thought sto reveal problem-solving strategies

Analogy

making a comparison in order to show a similarity between two different things

Analogical transfer

the transfer from one problem to another

Gick and Holyoak’s stages for analogical problem-solving

noticing —> mapping —> applying

Analogical encoding

the process by which two problems are compared, and similarities between them are determined

Trade-off strategy

“I’ll give you the orange peel if you give me the juice”

Contingency strategy

a person gets what they want if something else happens

Analogical paradox

it can be difficult to apply analogies in the laboratory, but people routinely use analogies in real-world settings

Chunking

experts group information into meaningful units based on experience

Divergent thinking

open-ended; large number of potential solutions

Group brainstorming

share whatever ideas come to mind without being critical of own ideas or others

Creative cognition

techniques to train people to think creatively

Pre-inventive forms

intermediate ideas that precede a final creative product

Mindwandering facilitates..

incubation

Incubation

getting ideas after taking a time out

Default mode network (DMN)

brain network active during rest and mind-wandering, linked to creativity

Volitional daydreaming

purposeful mind wandering

Focused attention meditation

focus on one thing, such as the breath, and return to it when distracted

Open monitoring meditation

pay attention to whatever comes up and follow it until the next thing

Avoiding distractions

giving the mind space and time to make new connections and find meaning

Gestalt Approach

problem solving depends on how a problem is mentally represented