Question 1

According to your textbook,cognition is the acquisition,storage,transformation,and use of knowledge.Compared to more basic cognitive processes such as working memory,problem solving makes more use of which of those four processes?

Accepted Answer

Problem solving involves transforming knowledge, as it requires individuals to manipulate and reorganize information to reach a solution. While acquisition, storage, and use of knowledge may also be involved in problem solving, transformation is the most essential process.

Question 2

Suppose that you are in charge of the Psychology Club's annual picnic,and you need to fill each student's lunch container with a main course (beef,chicken,or vegan),as well as a dessert (lemon or chocolate).The most effective way to represent this information would be to create

Accepted Answer

A matrix would be the most effective way to represent the lunch options for each student. The rows could list the students' names, and the columns could list the main course and dessert options. The cells could then indicate which main course and dessert each student selected, making it easy to keep track of everyone's preferences. A graph, symbols, or a diagram are not as effective for representing this type of information.

Question 3

In problem solving,the term obstacles refers to

Accepted Answer

Obstacles refer to restrictions or difficulties that arise during the problem-solving process, hindering progress towards finding a solution. Option A is incorrect as it refers to the initial state before the problem-solving process starts. Option B is incorrect as it describes the method of understanding the problem, not the obstacles. Option D is incorrect as it refers to a specific portion of the problem, not the obstacles encountered during problem-solving.

Question 4

According to the introduction to the section on problem understanding,

Accepted Answer

The introduction mentions that understanding requires a close correspondence between the situation you need to understand and your own internal representation, which aligns with option D. Option A is incorrect because it only mentions the need for an external representation, whereas the introduction emphasizes the importance of a correspondence between external and internal representations. Option B is incorrect because it is too specific - although matrices can be a useful representation for certain problems, it is not a primary criterion for understanding in general. Option C is incorrect because attention is actually described as essential for both problem solution and understanding.

Question 5

Which of the following students provides the most accurate basic information about problem solving?

Accepted Answer

Tiffany's statement accurately summarizes the basic concept of problem solving, which involves finding a solution to reach a goal despite the lack of an obvious answer. The other statements are either inaccurate or incomplete.

Question 6

Suppose that you want to make a chart that lists the possible combinations that can be formed with four basic flavors of cake and three basic flavors of frosting.This chart would be called

Accepted Answer

A chart that lists the possible combinations of four basic flavors of cake and three basic flavors of frosting would be a matrix. A matrix is a structured table that displays information in rows and columns.

Question 7

Imagine that you are currently trying to solve a problem.Which of the following statements about attention would be relevant to your situation?

Accepted Answer

Option A is relevant as distracting ideas can divert attention and hinder problem solving. Option B is not relevant as real-world problems can still have distracting factors that require attention. Option C is not always true as identifying the key part of a complex problem can be difficult and require attention. Option D is not accurate as good problem solvers are able to selectively attend to important information while filtering out irrelevant information.

Question 8

Suppose you have just read over an algebra problem,and you have now created an internal representation of the important information.According to the discussion of problem solving,you have mastered the stage called

Accepted Answer

The stage of creating an internal representation of the important information is part of the understanding stage of problem solving.

Question 9

Suppose that you have solved a problem by letting the letter x represent one unknown and by letting the letter y represent another unknown.Which problem-solving method have you used?

Accepted Answer

This problem-solving method is known as using symbols, where letters represent unknown variables. This is commonly used in algebraic equations and problem-solving.

Question 10

Suppose that you are trying to solve the problem of assembling a new bookcase that you have just bought,using a sheet of instructions as a guide.According to the discussion of problem understanding,

Accepted Answer

In order to successfully assemble the bookcase, the individual needs to mentally represent the problem and ensure that their representation is consistent with the assembly instructions. This requires a thorough understanding of the steps involved and the ability to translate those steps into a mental image or representation. While background knowledge and heuristics may be helpful, they are not explicitly necessary for understanding and solving this particular problem. Similarly, while symbols and visual images may be used to aid in problem solving, they are not the major component of this phase of problem solving.

Question 11

Psychologists who support the situated-cognition approach to problem solving would be most likely to emphasize

Accepted Answer

The situated-cognition approach emphasizes that problem-solving skills are often specific to the context in which they are learned and practiced, and that these skills are difficult to transfer to different contexts. This is because people's knowledge and strategies for problem-solving are closely tied to the situation in which they were learned, and may not apply to other situations.

Question 12

According to the research on the use of diagrams in problem solving,

Accepted Answer

The research suggests that diagrams can be helpful in problem solving because they can present information in a clear and concise manner, making it easier to understand and analyze the problem at hand. Option B is incorrect as a hierarchical tree diagram is a type of diagram that shows the relationships and hierarchy between different elements or steps in a problem-solving process, rather than a specific list of steps. Option C is also incorrect since while matrices can be useful in organizing and analyzing data, they may not be the most effective way to use diagrams specifically for problem-solving. Option D is incorrect as the research indicates that the use of diagrams can be a valuable tool in problem-solving, and that people may use diagrams alongside verbal representations to aid in the problem-solving process.

Question 13

You would expect a matrix to be a useful problem solving representation when

Accepted Answer

A matrix is useful for organizing and analyzing stable information that doesn't change over time, allowing for clear comparisons and calculations.

Question 14

According to the introduction to the chapter on problem solving,

Accepted Answer

The introduction to the chapter on problem solving notes that people often use strategies designed to produce a quick solution, indicating that option D is the best choice. The other options are inconsistent with what is typically observed in problem-solving situations.

Question 15

Working memory is important when people are trying to solve an algebra "word problem" because

Accepted Answer

Working memory is responsible for keeping relevant information in mind while performing mental tasks. In algebra word problems, it is necessary to hold onto the important aspects of the problem, such as mathematical relationships or variables, while working toward a solution.

Question 16

According to the research on visual images and problem solving,

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that visual images often allow problem solvers to select nontraditional solutions for problems. In fact, visual images can help to break people out of habitual problem-solving patterns and enable them to approach problems in creative ways. Additionally, research has shown that when people solve problems using imagery, they often supplement the image with verbal material, such as mental rehearsals of the steps needed to solve the problem. Therefore, option A is incorrect. Furthermore, visual images are not necessarily more rational than verbal methods of representing the problem, so option B is not correct. Finally, it is not accurate to say that visual imagery often prevents people from solving a problem creatively, so option C is not correct.

Question 17

According to the introduction to the chapter on problem solving,

Accepted Answer

The introduction to the chapter on problem solving states that people typically use problem-solving strategies that can produce a solution fairly quickly. Option A is not true as trial-and-error is not always the most useful strategy. Option B is not true as people are likely to be more active and engaged when solving problems. Option C is not true as people typically consider both the initial and goal states when solving problems.

Question 18

An important potential problem with using symbols to represent a problem is that

Accepted Answer

Using symbols requires the ability to accurately translate verbal information into the appropriate symbols. This process can be difficult for some people and can create errors in problem-solving.

Question 19

According to the discussion of visual imagery during problem solving,

Accepted Answer

The discussion suggests that visual images can be nontraditional and sometimes more helpful than other methods of representing a problem.

Answer: B
 The discussion suggests that high visual-imagery abilities do not necessarily lead to more effective use of imagery during problem solving.

Answer: False
 The statement in option C is incorrect. The discussion does not suggest that visual imagery is helpful only if problem solvers are initially instructed to visualize a familiar object.

Answer: False
 The statement in option D is incorrect. The discussion does not suggest that a disadvantage to visual imagery is that it can only be used if you have a clear idea about the solution to the problem.

Question 20

Which of the following students provides the best definition for the term thinking?

Accepted Answer

Denise's definition of thinking encompasses the process of using one's own cognitive abilities in a purposeful and goal-directed manner, which is the most accurate and comprehensive definition among the options provided.

Quiz 11: Problem Solving and Creativity

According to your textbook,cognition is the acquisition,storage,transformation,and use of knowledge.Compared to more basic cognitive processes such as working memory,problem solving makes more use of which of those four processes?

Suppose that you are in charge of the Psychology Club's annual picnic,and you need to fill each student's lunch container with a main course (beef,chicken,or vegan) ,as well as a dessert (lemon or chocolate) .The most effective way to represent this information would be to create

In problem solving,the term obstacles refers to

According to the introduction to the section on problem understanding,

Which of the following students provides the most accurate basic information about problem solving?

Suppose that you want to make a chart that lists the possible combinations that can be formed with four basic flavors of cake and three basic flavors of frosting.This chart would be called

Imagine that you are currently trying to solve a problem.Which of the following statements about attention would be relevant to your situation?

Suppose you have just read over an algebra problem,and you have now created an internal representation of the important information.According to the discussion of problem solving,you have mastered the stage called

Suppose that you have solved a problem by letting the letter x represent one unknown and by letting the letter y represent another unknown.Which problem-solving method have you used?

Suppose that you are trying to solve the problem of assembling a new bookcase that you have just bought,using a sheet of instructions as a guide.According to the discussion of problem understanding,

Psychologists who support the situated-cognition approach to problem solving would be most likely to emphasize

According to the research on the use of diagrams in problem solving,

You would expect a matrix to be a useful problem solving representation when

According to the introduction to the chapter on problem solving,

Working memory is important when people are trying to solve an algebra "word problem" because

According to the research on visual images and problem solving,

According to the introduction to the chapter on problem solving,

An important potential problem with using symbols to represent a problem is that

According to the discussion of visual imagery during problem solving,

Which of the following students provides the best definition for the term thinking?