Problem Solving and Cognition Flashcards

Flashcards on Problem Solving and Cognition

Analogical Paradox

The phenomenon where applying analogies is difficult in laboratory settings, yet analogical problem solving is frequently used in real-world situations.

Analogical Problem Solving

A problem-solving strategy that involves using the solution from a previously encountered source problem or source story to help solve a new target problem.

Creative Cognition Technique

A method or technique successfully used to generate innovative designs.

Creative Problem Solving

A type of problem solving associated with generating novel and useful solutions, often involving divergent thinking.

Default Mode Network (DMN)

A network of brain regions that is active when an individual is not focused on the outside world and the brain is at wakeful rest, involved in creative thinking.

Divergent Thinking

A thought process or method used to generate creative ideas by exploring many possible solutions.

Duncker’s Candle Problem

A classic problem-solving task used to illustrate functional fixedness, where participants must fix a candle to a wall using only a box of tacks, matches, and the candle.

Executive Control Network (ECN)

A network of brain regions involved in cognitive control, working memory, and attention, and is active during creative thinking.

Functional Fixedness

A cognitive bias that limits a person to using an object only in the way it is traditionally used, thereby hindering problem solving.

Goal State

In the information-processing approach, the desired final state or solution to a problem.

Information-Processing Approach

A framework for studying problem solving that views it as a search through a problem space from an initial state to a goal state, governed by operators.

Initial State

In the information-processing approach, the starting point or given conditions of a problem.

Insight

A sudden and often unexpected realisation of the solution to a problem, typically preceded by a period of mental restructuring.

Luchins Water Jug Problem

A problem-solving task used to demonstrate situationally produced mental set, where participants are asked to measure specific quantities of water using jugs of different capacities.

Maier’s Two-String Problem

A classic problem-solving task used to illustrate functional fixedness, requiring participants to tie together two strings hanging from the ceiling that are too far apart to grasp simultaneously.

Mental Set

A predisposition to approach a problem in a certain way, often based on previous experience, which can sometimes hinder problem solving.

Mutilated Checkerboard Problem

A problem used to illustrate the importance of how a problem is presented, highlighting how different representations can affect perceived difficulty.

Operators

In the information-processing approach, specific actions or steps that can be taken to move from one state to another within the problem space.

Problem Space

In the information-processing approach, the set of all possible states that can be reached in solving a problem, from the initial state to the goal state.

Restructuring

In Gestalt psychology, the process of changing the mental representation of a problem, often leading to insight.

Situationally Produced Mental Set

A specific type of mental set where past experience with similar problems in a particular context influences the approach to a new problem.

Source Problem/Story

A previously encountered problem or narrative that shares a similar underlying structure with a new target problem, used in analogical problem solving.

Subgoals

Intermediate steps or states that serve as a means to an end in solving a larger problem, often used to break down complex tasks.

Surface Features

The superficial elements of a problem; experts tend to ignore these in favour of deep structure.

Target Problem

A new problem that a solver attempts to solve by drawing analogies from a source problem or source story.

Think-Aloud Protocols

A research method where participants verbalise their thoughts as they complete a task, providing insight into their cognitive processes during problem solving.

Tower of Hanoi Problem

A mathematical puzzle used to illustrate the information-processing approach, particularly the use of subgoals and operators to reach a goal state.