problem solving

a problem

when a living organism has a goal, but does not know how to reach this goal

problem solving

a higher cognitive function which interacts with many other cognitive processes

types of problems

structure, content

types of structure problems

ill-defined problems, well-defined problems

ill-defined problems

underspecified when endless strategies could be adopted, and it is very hard to know ahead of time which would be most effective

well-defined problems

when all aspects of the problem are clearly specified, the goal is well specified

types of content problems

knowledge-lean problems, knowledge-rich problems

knowledge-lean problems

do not require specific knowledge because most of the information needed to solve the problem is available

knowledge-rich problems

can only be solved by those having much relevant specific knowledge

behaviourist approach of problem solving

how individuals solve problems through trial-and-error reinforcement

stimulus response associations

links between external stimuli + resulting behaviours where stimulus triggers action

thorndike

behavioural learning theory

gestalt approach to problem solving

problem solving through insight of structural understanding not trial and error

reproductive + productive problem solving process

use previous experience + also novel approaches by restructuring and showing insight

incubation effect

phenomenon where interruption of the task improves eventual success rate

sternberg (1998) triarchic theory

analytical intelligence, creative intelligence, practical intelligence

types of creative thinking

divergent thinking, convergent thinking

divergent thinking

thinking “outside the box” allowing an individual to arrive at unique, multiple solutions to a problem

convergent thinking

the ability to provide one correct or well established solution to a problem

4 stages for creative thinking

preparation, incubation, illumination, verification

representational change theory

solving a hard problem requires changing how you understand or picture the problem in your mind

functional fixedness

bias where individuals wrongly assume that objects can only be used in their typical, conventional ways

two types of reasoning

explicit reasoning, implicit reasoning

explicit reasoning

slow, deliberate, concious

implicit reasoning

fast, automatic, unconscious