CORRECT Ch.12 - Problem Solving

Alternate uses test

A creativity test where you list many possible uses for everyday objects - paperclip brick ping-pong ball

Means-end analysis

A method of solving problems by setting smaller goals that bring you closer to the final solution - establishing subgoals in Tower of Hanoi

Analogical encoding

Learning by comparing examples to understand their common structure - comparing negotiation strategies

Mental set

A tendency to approach problems in a way that worked before - seeing boxes only as containers in candle problem

Analogical paradox

People struggle with analogies in experiments but use them easily in everyday situations - researchers using analogies frequently in lab meetings

Mutilated checkerboard problem

A puzzle about covering a modified checkerboard with domino pieces - covering a board with two corners removed using 31 dominos

Analogical problem solving

Solving a new problem by applying the method used for a similar problem - using Russian marriage problem to solve mutilated checkerboard

Problem

A situation where you need to find a way to reach a goal - math problems everyday challenges

Analogical transfer

Using a known solution to help solve a new but similar problem - using fortress story to solve radiation problem

Operators

The allowed moves or actions when solving a problem - moving a disc in Tower of Hanoi

Analogy

Finding similarities between different situations to solve problems - noticing connections between similar problems

Pre-inventive forms

Early creative ideas that can be developed into inventions - early ideas before developing Velcro

Candle problem

A puzzle about attaching a candle to a wall using limited materials - mounting a candle on a corkboard

Creative cognition

A method for training people to think creatively - creating objects from random parts

Problem space

All possible steps and situations when solving a problem - all possible moves in Tower of Hanoi

Divergent thinking

Coming up with many different possible solutions - listing many uses for a paperclip

Radiation problem

A medical puzzle about treating a tumor safely - destroying a tumor with rays

Experts

People with deep knowledge and skill in a particular area - chess masters

Restructuring

Looking at a problem in a new way to find the answer - seeing x as diagonal of rectangle in circle problem

Fixation

Getting stuck on one way of looking at a problem - focusing on usual functions of objects

Savant syndrome

When someone with a developmental disorder has exceptional skills - telling day of week for any date

Functional fixedness

The tendency to see objects only in their typical use - candle problem two-string problem

Source problem

A known problem that helps solve a new similar problem - fortress story for radiation problem

Goal state

The solution you want to reach - all discs on the right peg in Tower of Hanoi

Structural features

The basic rules or principles behind a problem - underlying principle of radiation problem

Group brainstorming

A group activity where members freely share ideas - group members sharing ideas

Subgoals

Smaller steps that help solve a larger problem - freeing up the large disc in Tower of Hanoi

In vivo problem-solving research

Research on how people solve problems in everyday situations - studying scientists in lab meetings

Surface features

The outward appearance or details of a problem - rays and tumor in radiation problem

Target problem

The current problem you need to solve - radiation problem when using fortress story

Initial state

The beginning situation before solving a problem - all discs on the left peg in Tower of Hanoi

Think-aloud protocol

A research method where people speak their thoughts while problem-solving - participants saying thoughts while solving checkerboard problem

Insight

A sudden "aha!" moment when you understand how to solve a problem - sudden realization in triangle problem

Tower of Hanoi problem

A puzzle with discs that must be moved between pegs without breaking rules - moving discs between pegs

Intermediate state

A step between the start and solution of a problem - after moving smallest disc in Tower of Hanoi

Two-string problem

A puzzle about connecting two strings that are too far apart to reach - tying two strings together

Latent inhibition (LI)

The mind's ability to filter out unimportant details - filtering out irrelevant stimuli

Water jug problem

A puzzle about measuring water using jugs of different capacities - measuring 100 quarts using 21 127 and 3 quart jug