Question 1

Which of the following is the BEST definition of heuristic?

Accepted Answer

Heuristic is a problem-solving strategy that involves following a general rule of thumb to reduce the number of possible solutions. It is not a guaranteed method to find the correct solution, but rather a shortcut to make problem-solving more efficient. Option A is more related to insight, option B to an algorithm, and option D to trial and error.

Question 2

Kip is a professional auto mechanic whose hobby is restoringold cars. He picked up a classic Thunderbird convertible at anauction, but after spending several weekends tinkering with the engine, he still couldn't figure out what was wrong with it.As he was waking up one morning, he suddenly realized what the problem was. Kip's sudden realization of the problem'ssolution is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Kip's sudden realization of the problem's solution is an example of insight, which is the sudden understanding or solution to a problem that results from a unique and unanticipated approach to the problem. This is different from a mental set, which is a tendency to approach a problem in a particular way, or a heuristic, which is a problem-solving strategy or shortcut based on past experience. Functional fixedness, on the other hand, is a tendency to think of an object only in terms of its typical use, and not in terms of other possible uses.

Question 3

Which statement best characterizes the process of insight?

Accepted Answer

The process of insight often involves a sudden realization or understanding that occurs without conscious effort or deliberate reasoning. It is often described as a "lightbulb moment" or a "Eureka!" moment where the solution seems to just come to mind out of nowhere. Therefore, choice A best characterizes the process of insight.

Question 4

Tom, whose story was told in the Prologue, has Asperger'ssyndrome. Like many people, he can become frustrated whenhe is "stuck" on a problem. However, unlike other people whorecognize when it's time to switch to a new strategy or acceptdefeat and give up, Tom perseveres in trying to find the"right" solution, demonstrating _____, which are characteristics of Asperger's syndrome.

Accepted Answer

Cognitive rigidity and inflexible thinking are common characteristics of Asperger's syndrome, which can lead individuals to perseverate on a problem even when it is not productive to do so. This can often result in frustration and difficulty moving on to a new task or strategy. Intuitive thinking, insight, creativity, displacement, and generativity are not typically associated with Asperger's syndrome, and mental retardation and a low IQ are not accurate descriptors of individuals with this condition.

Question 5

In the _____ stage of the two-stage theory of intuition,conscious, analytic thought processes take over and you try to prove or disprove your hypothesis.

Accepted Answer

The integrative stage of the two-stage theory of intuition involves conscious and analytic thought processes where an individual tries to prove or disprove their hypothesis. The other options (A) guiding, (C) generativity, and (D) heuristic do not accurately describe this stage.

Question 6

A mental set is defined as the:

Accepted Answer

The answer of A mental set is defined as the:
...

Question 7

Which of the following statements is TRUE about intuition?

Accepted Answer

Intuition's first stage is largely unconscious, as it involves quickly and automatically processing information without conscious awareness. B is incorrect because intuition often involves rapid, automatic processing rather than deliberate use of algorithms or heuristics. C is incorrect because intuition can be studied and measured, although it can be difficult to define and measure precisely. D is incorrect because intuition is not always the first step in problem-solving; other approaches such as systematic reasoning may also be used.

Question 8

David and Alice plan to vacation in Florida. They figure out the total cost of the trip and then decide how much they will have to put aside each week in order to be able to pay for their holiday. David and Alice are using:

Accepted Answer

The answer of David and Alice plan to vacation in...

Question 9

Dr. Foster has been a clinical psychologist for 15 years and has worked with hundreds of patients. One day, a patient came toDr. Foster's office and began to describe his concerns and problems. Dr. Foster listened to what the patient said and observed the patient's posture, movements, and facial expressions. Based upon this information, Dr. Foster began toget a sense of what the pattern of symptoms probably meant.In which stage of Bowers's model of intuition was Dr. Foster operating?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Foster was in the guiding stage of Bowers's model of intuition, as she used her previous experience and knowledge to guide her understanding of the patient's symptoms and formulate a sense of what they might indicate.

Question 10

Functional fixedness is defined as:

Accepted Answer

Functional fixedness refers to the cognitive bias towards perceiving an object only in its typical or customary function. It restricts our ability to consider alternative uses or solutions for an object.

Question 11

The process of coming to a conclusion or making a judgment without conscious awareness of the thought processes involvedis called:

Accepted Answer

The process described is intuition, which involves arriving at a conclusion or judgment without being fully aware of the reasoning or thought processes that led to it. Option A and B, functional fixedness and a mental set, both refer to cognitive biases or limitations that affect problem-solving and decision-making, but they do not specifically involve unconscious thought processes. Prototypical thinking, option D, refers to a cognitive shortcut where we rely on the most typical or common example of a concept, which may not apply to the current situation. While this can affect decision-making, it also does not involve unconscious thought processes as specifically as intuition does.

Question 12

Dr. Majid met with a new patient who had a long list of puzzling symptoms. After talking with him for about tenminutes, Dr. Majid told the patient that she needed to runsome tests. Dr. Majid ordered a series of blood and urine tests but privately believed that the patient probably had diabetes.When the test results came back, Dr. Majid sat down to analyze them. Analyzing the test results to confirm or disproveher hunch is an example of the _____ stage of intuition.

Accepted Answer

The integrative stage of intuition involves analyzing information gathered through observation and experience to make a decision or form a hypothesis. In this case, Dr. Majid's analysis of the test results is an example of this stage. The guiding stage involves using intuition to guide actions or decisions, displacement involves redirecting intuition to an unrelated area, and generativity involves using intuition to generate new ideas or solutions.

Question 13

In which stage of the two-stage model of intuition does a person perceive a pattern in the information that is being contemplated, but not consciously?

Accepted Answer

The answer of In which stage of the two-stage model...

Question 14

When there is a limited range of possible solutions, _____ canbe a useful problem-solving strategy.

Accepted Answer

The answer of When there is a limited range of...

Question 15

Problem solving is defined as:

Accepted Answer

Problem solving involves trying to reach a goal that is not readily available by engaging in thinking and behavior that can help overcome obstacles and find a solution. Choice B refers to cognitive processes involved in learning and memory, choice C refers to categorization and learning of specific features in objects or concepts, and choice D refers to functional fixedness, which is a cognitive bias that can hinder problem solving.

Question 16

Gregory decides to drive to Toronto to visit a college friend.After crossing the Canadian border, he discovers that the speed limits are posted in kilometers rather than miles perhour. Luckily, Gregory remembers that 1 kilometer equals 1.6miles and that to convert kilometers to miles, he can multiply the number of kilometers by 0.6214. This method would be an example of a problem-solving strategy called:

Accepted Answer

This method involves a set procedure (multiplying by 0.6214) to solve the problem of converting kilometers to miles, making it an example of an algorithm. A heuristic would involve a more general problem-solving strategy or rule of thumb, insight involves sudden realization or understanding, and trial and error involves trying different solutions until the correct one is found.

Question 17

When Jean-Claude came back from skiing he wanted to brewa cup of coffee. Because he was out of coffee filters, he settled for tea. Jean-Claude's failure to realize he could use a paper towel as a coffee filter best illustrates:

Accepted Answer

The answer of When Jean-Claude came back from skiing he...

Question 18

When LaToya got her new computer, she carefully followed the steps described in the manual, and by the end of the evening her new computer was up and running. LaToya used:

Accepted Answer

LaToya followed a set of specific instructions in the manual, which is characteristic of using an algorithm.

Question 19

Dr. Milovitch systematically mixed thousands of different combinations of chemical compounds in order to find one that would be a pollution-free refrigerator coolant. Dr. Milovitch's approach best illustrates:

Accepted Answer

Dr. Milovitch's approach involves trying different combinations of chemical compounds until a solution is found, which is characteristic of trial-and-error problem solving. The other answer options do not accurately describe the approach used.

Question 20

Derek learns that his apartment building has been sold and that he needs to move by the end of the month. He develops the following plan of action: (1) look for a new apartment; (2)arrange for utilities; (3) contact a moving company andschedule the move; (4) start collecting empty boxes; (5) packnonessential items first; and so forth. What kind of problem-solving strategy is Derek using to solve the problem of movingbefore the end of the month?

Accepted Answer

Derek is using the heuristic of identifying subgoals by breaking down the larger problem of moving into smaller, manageable goals such as looking for a new apartment, arranging for utilities, scheduling a move, and packing nonessential items first. This allows him to approach the problem in a systematic and strategic way.

Quiz 7: Thinking Language,and Intelegance