psych cap 11 prob-solv

Problem solving

Cognitive process involved recognizing there’s a problem, analyzing, and solving it, then verifying effectiveness of solution

Problem

Occurs when there’s an obstacle between initial state and goal state when u do not know solution right away

Initial state

In prob solving, it’s intitial situation or start point of a problem

Goal state

Desired final state or ending situation

Operators

Actions that transform current problem into another problem state

Well defined problems

Has specific goal state, clearly defined solutions and clearly expected solutions

Algorithms

Step by step procedures alw produce correct solution

Ill-defined problem

Does not have clear goal state, solution paths or expected solutions

Problem solving cycle pertz et all

Recognize prob, develop strategy, monitor progress toward goal, evaluate solution for accuracy

Reproductive process

Process of prob solving that uses knowledge from past experiences and uses a trial and error strategy to work out solutions

Trial and error

Approach to problem solving that involves trying a number of dif solutions an ruling out those that don’t work

Law of Effect

Response that produces satisfying effect will become more likely to occur again in that situation, and a response that produce a discomforting effect will become less likely to reoccur

Gestalt approach

Productive process - manipulating and restructuring info about problem in ur mind

Insight

Phenomenon when solution to a problem suddenly comes to consciousness

Productive process

Process of prob solving that occurs when thinking is characterized by restructuring info to provide solution, process produces insight

Heuristic

Mental shortcut for drawing inferences based on limited info without slow deliberation

Working backwards

A heuristic in which you begin solving a problem by focusing on end result

Mean-end analysis

Heuristic in problem solving in which you create sub-goals as you move closer to final goal state

Functional fixedness

Tendency to view objects only for intended purpose bc of prior experience w object

Fixation

Tendency to focus on specific characteristic of a problem.

Insight problem

Problem in which solution occurs suddenly onto your consciousness

Non insight problem

Process of consciously working through each step of a problem to arrive at a solution

Ppl that are street smart have a high level of

Practical intelligence

Ideational fluency

Measure where number of ideas a person can generate about a particular topic or item is used to assess their creativity

Mental set

In prob solving, it’s the tendency to use solutions that have worked in past, or tendency to respond to something in a given, or set, way