Cognitive Psychology, 2nd Ed.

Chapter 13Problem Solving

Types of Thinking

Directed vs. undirected thinkingReproductive vs. productive thinkingWell-defined vs. ill-defined problems

-initial state, subgoals, and goal -operators & problem space

General Problem Solver

Representing the problem properly is critical.

-MC problem-monk problem

Isomorphic problems-monster problem

Problem Space Search

Algorithm-trial and error-systematic search

Heuristics-working backwards-analogies-means end analysis

Domain-Specific Knowledge

Knowledge is power-finding good representations-learning effective search-metacognitive monitoring

Creativity

Historical vs. process creativity-novel product-useful product-special talent

Stages of creative process-preparation-incubation-illumination-verification

Creative Blocks

Poor representation with unnecessary constraintsFixationFunctional fixedness

Historically Creative People

Muse or good thinking?Simonton’s Darwinian Model

-large number of varied ideas-random selection of

variations-individual and societal

selection