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Problem Solving - Coggle Diagram
Problem Solving
Approaches to Problem Solving
Trial & Error & Heuristics
trying possible solutions sequentially & discarding those that are in error till one works
effective
relatively few possible solutions to try out
impractical
number of possible maneuvers → large
inefficient
use shortcuts
heuristics
guiding principle / "rule of thumb" used in solving problems / making decisions
useful
don't guarantee success
eg. forming subgoals
Forming Subgoals
reach subgoals
solved part of problem
some problems → obvious subgoals
people take advantage of them
eg. analogy problems
first subgoal
figure out possible relations between first 2 parts of analogy
Searching for Analogies
major heuristics
problem solving
we reason by analogy
efforts → identify analogy
major contributions → effective thinking
can spot an analogy
use solution to prev problem → solve current
depend on recognizing similarity between 2 problems
challenging problem
Challenging Representation of Problem
problems can be represented in variety of ways
eg. verbally / mathematically
represent in tables / graphs etc.
fail to make progress with initial representation
changing representation
good strategy
restructuring representation of problems
key to solving insight problems
contribute to creativity
Taking a Break
after break
might see problem in different light
new solutions spring to mind
no guarantee
facilitate problem solving
incubation effect
occurs when new solutions surface for a previously unsolved problem after a period of not consciously thinking about it
likelihood
depends on number of task-related factors
enhance problem solving
continue to work on problems
unconscious level after conscious effort has been suspended
↑ level of mind wandering ⇌ greater likelihood of coming up new solution
Barriers to Effective Problem Solving
Irrelevant Information
leads people astray
incorrectly assume
all numerical information in problem is necessary
adverse effects
reasoning & problem solving
effective problem solving
figure out what information is relevant
Functional Fixedness
tendency to perceive an item only in terms of its most common use
tend to overlook obscure, little noticed features of problem
combat
helps people
discern the obscure features of problems
successfully decomposing problems into constituent parts
enhanced problem solving
Mental Set
exists when people persist in using problem solving strategies that have worked in the past
reliance on 'tried & true' strategy
reflect sensible learning from past experience
having expertise in an area
backfires sometimes
hampers problem solving effect
Unnecessary Constraints
make assumptions
impose unnecessary constraints on problem-solving efforts
insight problem
people suddenly discover the correct solution to a problem after struggling with it for a while
Type of Problems
problem solving
active efforts to discover what must be done to achieve a goal that is not readily attainable
inducing structure
discover relations among parts of problem
series completion problems
analogy problem
arrangement
arrange the parts in a way
satisfy some criterion
one / a few of arrangement for a solution
string problem
anagrams
transformation
carry out sequence of transformation
reach specific goal
hobbits and orcs problem
water jar problem
challenging
Culture, Cognitive Style & Problem Solving
cultural differences in cognitive style
exhibited in solving problems
Eastern Asian cultures
holistic cognitive style
focus on context & r/s
see whole
emphasis
group & interdependence
Western culture
analytic cognitive style
focus on objects & properties
see parts
emphasis
individual & independence