Chapter 12: Problem Solving - created from Mind Map

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well-defined(1 answer) vs ill-defined (many)

9 dot problem

castle walls

Gestalt problem solving: representation in the mind

insight does not happen instantaneously

Duncker candle problem: mount the candle, how to use matchbox as support

2 string problem: tie together, maier, use as pendulum

Luchins: water jug

functional fixedness and fixation, mental set (how to approach)

restructuring required often

Van Gogh, Guernica

Calder: mobiles, drawn before

we often stick with what we know

we're better at imitation

roller skates vs inlines vs ice skates

many of the ideas had been done before

Newell and Simon's information processing (computer) model

initial state > intermediate>goal=problem space

operators: actions that move problem from 1 state to another, usually rules

means-end analysis: how to solve problem, reducing distance between initial and goal

computer and human have diff. delay points

problem space: all possible states in problem

tower of Hanoi: can't have large disc on top of small

setting subgoals, moving solution

importance of how problems are stated

acrobat vs reverse acrobat

mutilated checkerboard

Roman numerals vs our #s

reverse acrobat harder b/c inconsistent w/ knowledge of world

can you cover checkerboard with 31 dominos if you remove red corner squares

if changed to bread and butter=easier, or analogy of russian marriage

no, b/c you can only cover red and black

need to be able to realize that you need even #s of both colors

using analogies to solve problems

target prob: what you're trying to solve

source problem: shares similarities with target prob

challenges:

transfer is easier when s factors match

ex: radiation, strong vs weak rays

invading army and bridges

1 surface features, what's in the prob

structural: laws that bind the prob together

real world vs lab: RW structure, LAB surface

in vivo problem solving research: observing ppl in RW

expert vs novice

1 more bkg know, more patterns

2 organization: focus on deep characteristics

3 analyze critically, more time

divergent vs convergent thinking: many answers vs linear flow

WM and problem solving

HWM best under low pressure b/c complex strategies useful, LWM same

Chapter 12: Problem Solving