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Problem Solving

Problem Solving. PSY 421 – Fall, 2004. Overview. Defining Problems Approaches to studying problem solving Representing information for problem solving Heuristics Experts. Defining “Problems”. Basic Components Initial state Goal state Rules or constraints

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Problem Solving

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  1. Problem Solving PSY 421 – Fall, 2004

  2. Overview • Defining Problems • Approaches to studying problem solving • Representing information for problem solving • Heuristics • Experts

  3. Defining “Problems” • Basic Components • Initial state • Goal state • Rules or constraints • Obstacles to overcome (e.g., time) • Well-defined – clear and structured • Ill-defined – fuzzy and abstract • Perception of the solver makes a difference

  4. Studying Problem Solving • Behaviorists • Thorndike – cats in boxes – trial and error • Law of effect = if a response leads to a satisfying outcome, the connection between the response and situation will be strengthened • Gestalt Psychologists • Problem solving involves restructuring or reorganizing elements until a solution is realized • Kohler – apes and crates, sticks, etc. – sudden solutions (termed this “insight”) • Information Processing • General Problem Solver (GPS) – breaks down problems into subproblems to which different techniques are applied • Problem solving occurs through a series of steps from initial state to goal

  5. Representing information for problem solving • Example Problem • Determining the important aspects of the problem • Mental sets – reflect past experience • Functional fixedness – viewing objects in a narrow fashion (they only have one use) • Creative solutions and insight – AHA!

  6. Heuristics • Algorithm – systematic set of rules/steps to solve problems • Sometimes flowcharts are used to visualize algorithms • Heuristics – general strategies that can be applied to various problems • Working backwards • Means-end analysis – strategy used by GPS • Analogies – finding similarities across problems while ignoring the specifics (example)

  7. Experts • Exceptional knowledge and performance in a specific domain • What makes one an expert? • Advantages • Disadvantages

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