Chapter 12 Problem Solving

Defining a Problem

a situation where a goal is desired but the path is unknown

Well-Defined vs Ill-Defined Problems

well-defined have clear steps while ill-defined lack clarity

Restructuring

changing mental representation to enable a solution

Insight

sudden realization of a solution shown by warmth judgment studies

Functional Fixedness

restricting objects to their familiar uses

Mental Set

tendency to apply previously successful strategies when ineffective

Problem Space

initial

Means-End Analysis

reducing differences between current and goal states using subgoals

Think-Aloud Protocol

verbalizing thoughts to reveal problem-solving strategies

Analogical Problem Solving

using a source problem to solve a target problem via noticing

Expertise

experts use structural features whereas novices use surface features