Problem Solving and Creativity

Flashcards about the key concepts from the lecture on problem solving and creativity.

What is the Gestalt Approach?

An approach focusing on representing a problem in the mind and restructuring the problem's representation.

What is restructuring in problem solving?

Changes in the problem's representation.

Define insight in problem solving.

A sudden realization of a problem's solution, often requiring restructuring.

What is functional fixedness?

Restricting the use of an object to its familiar functions.

What is a mental set?

A preconceived notion about how to approach a problem.

What are the key components of the Information-Processing Approach?

Problem space, initial state, intermediate state, goal state, and means-end analysis.

Define Means-End Analysis.

A problem-solving strategy that involves reducing the difference between the initial and goal states through subgoals.

What are subgoals?

Intermediate steps or goals that lead to the final goal.

How do experts differ from novices in problem-solving?

Experts have more knowledge, organize it better, and analyze problems more thoroughly.

What do experts focus on when solving problems?

Structural features of the problem.

What do novices focus on when solving problems?

Surface features of the problem.

Define creativity.

Innovative thinking, novel ideas, and forming new connections.

What is divergent thinking?

Generating multiple solutions to a problem.

What are some activities creative people do?

Daydreaming, solitude, and mindfulness.

What is volitional daydreaming?

Purposeful mind wandering.

What are the stages of creative problem solving?

Problem generation, problem formulation, problem solving, and solution implementation.

What brain areas are involved in creativity?

Frontal lobe, occipital lobe, Default Mode Network, and Executive Control Network.

What is incubation in problem solving?

Taking a break from a problem to allow for new insights.

What is the definition of a problem?

An obstacle between a present state and a goal.

What are the characteristics of a problem?

Not immediately obvious how to get around the obstacle and difficult to solve.

What is the initial state in the information processing approach?

The conditions at the beginning of a problem.

What is the intermediate state in problem solving?

The sequence of actions taken in the process of trying to reach the final goal.

What is the goal state in problem solving?

The solution to the problem.

How do experts spend their time when solving problems?

Experts spend more time analyzing the problem.

Are experts open to new ways of looking at problems?

Experts are less likely to be open to new ways of looking at problems.

What is focused attention meditation?

A type of meditation that helps one focus.

What is open monitoring meditation?

A type of meditation that involves awareness of thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment.

What activity in the brain increases before insight solutions?

Frontal lobe activity.

Which brain activity increases before noninsight solutions?

Occipital lobe activity.

Which networks in the brain are activated during idea evaluation?

Default Mode Network and Executive Control Network.

What is focused attention meditation?

A type of meditation that helps one focus.

What is open monitoring meditation?

A type of meditation that involves awareness of thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment.