COG 11 Key Concepts in Problem Solving Techniques

What is problem solving?

The process of overcoming obstacles to reach a goal.

What are the initial & goal states of a problem?

one is the starting situation; and the other is the desired outcome.

What are well-defined problems?

Problems with clear goals, rules, and solutions (e.g., math problems).

What are ill-defined problems?

Problems with unclear goals or solution paths (e.g., design tasks).

How do well-defined and ill-defined problems contrast?

Well-defined have clear structure; ill-defined are vague and open-ended.

How is a problem defined?

A situation with a gap between the current state and the goal, with no clear path.

What is the problem space?

All possible paths between the problem's initial and goal states.

What are algorithms?

Step-by-step procedures that guarantee a solution.

What are heuristics?

Mental shortcuts that simplify problem solving but may not be accurate.

What is the trial-and-error strategy?

Trying various solutions until one works.

What is the means-ends strategy?

Breaking the problem into steps to reduce the gap to the goal.

How do trial-and-error and means-ends differ?

one is random; and the other is logical and structured.

What is a mental set?

Tendency to use old strategies, which may block better solutions.

What is functional fixedness?

Seeing objects only in their usual use, limiting creativity.

What is analogical transfer?

Applying a past solution to a new problem.

Why is analogical transfer difficult?

It's hard to see deeper connections when surface features differ.

What is insight?

A sudden realization of a solution ("Aha!" moment).

What are insight problems?

Problems where the solution comes suddenly, not through steps.

What characterizes insight problems?

Restructuring and a feeling of sudden clarity.

How are insightful solutions obtained?

By overcoming misleading info and restructuring the problem.

How does insight relate to incubation?

Taking breaks helps reorganize thoughts, leading to insight.

What is the Three-process Theory of Insight?

Involves selective encoding, combination, and comparison.

What is selective encoding?

Recognizing relevant info and ignoring irrelevant details.

What is selective combination?

Putting elements together in a new, non-obvious way.

What is selective comparison?

Connecting new info to past knowledge in a novel way.

What is fixation?

Getting stuck using old strategies that don't work anymore.

How can fixation be overcome?

Use novel thinking, avoid examples, or take a break (incubation).

What is conformity in problem solving?

Relying too much on shown examples, reducing originality.

How does mind-wandering affect problem solving?

It can reduce fixation and support creative thinking.

what is the dual process framework?

The dual process framework describes two systems of thinking: the fast, automatic, and intuitive system (System 1), and the slower, more deliberate, and analytical system (System 2). This framework helps to understand how people approach decision making and problem solving.

what are the two processes of dual process framework? (type 1 and type 2)

Type 1 is fast and uses few working memory, intuitive and does not rely on using controlled attention, and automatic thinking, while Type 2 is slow reflective, deliberate, and analytical thinking.

how do the 2 processes of dual process framework contrast with eachother? (type 1 and type 2)

Type 1 thinking is quick and instinctual, while Type 2 thinking is methodical and requires more cognitive effort.