Ch 12: Problem Solving

A technique in which people compare two problems that illustrate a principle. This technique is designed to help people discover similar structural features of cases or problems.

People find it difficult to apply analogies in laboratory settings, but routinely use them in real-world settings.

The use of analogies as an aid to solving problems. Typically, a solution to one problem, the source problem, is presented that is analogous to the solution to another problem, the target problem.

at one point they don't have the answer, and the next minute they have solved the problem

Transferring experience in solving one problem to the solution of another, similar problem.

Noticing that there is an analogous relationship between the source problem and the target problem. Mapping the correspondence between the source story and the target problem Applying the mapping to generate a parallel solution to the target problem

Making a comparison in order to show a similarity between two different things.

A problem, first described by Duncker, in which a person is given a number of objects and is given the task of mounting a candle on a wall so it can burn without dripping wax on the floor. This problem was used to study functional fixedness.

A technique developed by Finke to train people to think creatively.

when their ATL was deactivated by transcranial magnetic stimulation, 40 percent of the subjects were able to solve the problem our brains are wired to interpret the world in certain ways, based on past experience

Thinking that is open-ended, involving a large number of potential solutions.

Person who, by devoting a large amount of time to learning about a field and practicing and applying that learning, has become acknowledged as being extremely skilled or knowledgeable in that field.

In problem solving, people's tendency to focus on a specific characteristic of the problem that keeps them from arriving at a solution.

An effect that occurs when the ideas a person has about an object's function inhibit the person's ability to use the object for a different function.

In problem solving, the condition that occurs when a problem has been solved.

When people in a problem-solving group are encouraged to express whatever ideas come to mind, without censorship.

Observing people to determine how they solve problems in real-world situations. This technique has been used to study the use of analogy in a number of different settings, including laboratory meetings of a university research group and design brainstorming sessions in an industrial research and development department.

In problem solving, the conditions at the beginning of a problem.

Sudden realization of a problem's solution. (AHA!)f

In problem solving, the various conditions that exist along the pathways between the initial and goal states.

Mechanism that results in screening out irrelevant stimuli.

A problem-solving strategy that seeks to reduce the difference between the initial and goal states. This is achieved by creating subgoals, intermediate states that are closer to the goal.

A preconceived notion about how to approach a problem based on a person's experience or what has worked in the past.

A problem that has been used to study how the statement of a problem influences a person's ability to reach a solution.

In problem solving, permissible moves that can be made toward a problem's solution.

Objects created in Finke's "creative cognition" experiment that precede the creation of a finished creative product.

A situation in which there is an obstacle between a present state and a goal state and it is not immediately obvious how to get around the obstacle.

The initial state, goal state, and all the possible intermediate states for a particular problem.

A problem posed by Duncker that involves finding a way to destroy a tumor by radiation without damaging other organs in the body. This problem has been widely used to study the role of analogy in problem solving.

The process of changing a problem's representation. According to the Gestalt psychologists, this is the key mechanism of problem solving.

how people represent a problem in their mind and how solving a problem involves a reorganization or restructuring of this representation. restructuring, insight

Occurs in people with autism or other mental disorders, who can achieve extraordinary feats of memory or may have great artistic talent or mathematical ability.

A problem or story that is analogous to the target problem and which therefore provides information that can lead to a solution to the target problem. See also Analogical problem solving; Target problem.

The underlying principle that governs the solution to a problem--for example, in the radiation problem, needing high intensity to fix something surrounded by material that could be damaged by high intensity. Contrast with Surface features.

In the meansend analysis approach to problem solving, intermediate states that move the process of solution closer to the goal.

Specific elements that make up a problem. For example, in the radiation problem, the rays and the tumor are surface features. Contrast with Structural features.

A problem to be solved. In analogical problem solving, solution of this problem can become easier when the problem-solver is exposed to an analogous source problem or story. See also Source problem.

A procedure in which subjects are asked to say out loud what they are thinking while doing a problem. This procedure is used to help determine people's thought processes as they are solving a problem.

A problem involving moving discs from one set of pegs to another. It has been used to illustrate the process involved in meansend analysis.

A problem first described by Maier in which a person is given the task of attaching two strings together that are too far apart to be reached at the same time. This task was devised to illustrate the operation of functional fixedness.

A problem, first described by Luchins, that illustrates how mental set can influence the strategies that people use to solve a problem.