Problem Solving

Creative Cognition

The process of thinking in ways that lead to novel ideas or solutions.

Problem Space

All possible states and movements within and between them when solving a problem.

Fixation

A cognitive block that makes it harder to think outside the box, often linked to convergent thinking.

Preinventive Forms

Basic shapes or structures generated before a final solution is reached, typically created by individuals with divergent thinking.

In Vivo Problem-Solving

Studying problem-solving in real-world settings rather than in the lab.

Expert

Someone with extensive knowledge or skill in a particular domain.

Goal State

The desired outcome or solution to a problem.

Source Problem

The original problem used as a reference in analogical problem-solving.

Analogical Problem-Solving

Applying knowledge from a source problem to solve a target problem.

Intermediate State

A step between the initial state and the goal state in problem-solving.

Operators

Actions that transition a problem from the initial state to the goal state.

Analogy

Using previous similar experiences to guide problem-solving.

Restructuring

Changing how a problem is perceived or represented to find a solution.

Savant Syndrome

A condition where individuals with developmental disorders excel exceptionally in a specific domain.

Initial State

The starting point of a problem.

Group Brainstorming

A technique used to reduce inhibition and promote the free flow of ideas.

Functional Fixedness

The tendency to see objects only in their usual function, making problem-solving more difficult.

Target Problem

The problem that one is trying to solve using analogical problem-solving.

Latent Inhibition

The brain’s ability to filter out irrelevant stimuli, with reduced latent inhibition linked to enhanced creativity.

Water Jug Problem

A problem illustrating mental set and how prior experience affects problem-solving.

Structural Features

Deep elements of a problem that define its core logic.

Surface Features

Superficial details of a problem that do not affect its underlying structure.

Analogical Transfer

The process of applying knowledge from one problem to another.

Radiation Problem

A classic study on analogical problem-solving showing how similarity aids in transferring solutions.

Analogical Paradox

The observation that people struggle to apply analogies in lab settings but frequently use them in real life.

Insight

The 'Aha!' moment when a solution suddenly becomes clear.

Subgoals

Intermediate steps that bring a problem closer to the goal state.

Mutilated Checkerboard Problem

Demonstrates how problem representation can affect difficulty in solving a problem.

Two-String Problem

A problem-solving task where the goal is to tie two strings together using creativity.

Tower of Hanoi

A classic brain teaser that requires moving disks between pegs while following specific rules- means end analysis, reducing difference between initial and goal states with subgoals

Analogical Encoding

A process where comparing multiple examples strengthens the ability to recognize structural similarities.

Divergent Thinking

Thinking outside the box to generate multiple solutions, opposite of convergent thinking.

Mental Set

A preconceived approach to solving a problem, often based on past experiences.

Candle Problem

A classic test of functional fixedness where participants must find a way to attach a candle to a wall using limited materials.

Means-End Analysis

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

Think-Aloud Protocol

A technique where participants verbalize their thought process while solving a problem.