2.1 Cognition: Thinking Remembering

2.1 Cognition: Thinking & Remembering

Problem 8 – Problem solving

Literature: Robinson-Riegler, Matlin

Problems

- Basic components:

• Initial state (beginning) 3. Set of rules
• Goal state (solution) 4. Set of obstacles

- Ill-defined: fuzzy, abstract, more of a challenge

- Well-defined: clear, structured, easily assessed

- Routine: applying well-practiced procedures

- Non-routine: more challenging, not well-practiced

Mayer: types of problems

- Transformational:

o Given: goal state

o Task: find strategy/moves to transform initial state into goal state

• E.g. Tower of Hanoi

- Arrangement problems:

o Given: all necessary elements

o Task: figure out how to arrange

• E.g. anagram

- Induction problems:

o Given: series of examples

o Task: figure out rule/pattern

• E.g. finishing number sequence

- Deduction problems:

o Given: premises/conditions

o Task: whether conclusion fits

- Divergent problems:

o Task: generate as many solutions to a problem

Approaches to the study of problem solving Behaviorism

• Problem solving = “mindless” process; trial & error; automatic application of learned responses
• Thorndike: law of effect = response → satisfying outcome → likely to repeat

- Study: cat in a box → press button to come out

Gestalt psychology

• Problem solving = restructuring/reorganizing of problem elements → sudden realization of solution
• E.g. apes pondered about how to get to bananas suspended from ceiling → suddenly used crates as steps
• Insight = sudden, successful restructuring of problem elements

- Focus: relationships between problem elements

• Evaluation

(+) incorporates mental representations (–) vague; lacks explanations Cognitive Psychology (information processing approach)

• GPS (General Problem Solver)
• Problem solving = step-by-step process from initial to goal state
• Sub-goals to minimalize “distance” to goal state
• Operators analyze sub-goals (= problem-solving technique)
• Problem space = mental representation of initial state, goal state, all intermediate sub-goal states, operators

→ problem solving = “excursion” through problem space

• External world (problem info.) → internal representation (mental) → sequential application of operations

• / 1