Question 1

A heuristic in which a problem is divided into smaller, more manageable units is known as ________.

Accepted Answer

Dividing a problem into smaller, more manageable units is known as creating subgoals. This helps to simplify the problem and make it easier to approach. The other answer choices (B, C, and D) describe different problem-solving heuristics, but do not specifically involve breaking a problem down into smaller parts.

Question 2

In taking a multiple-choice test, you first read the question and try to develop an answer. Then you check to see if your answer is one of the choices. If it's not, you try to eliminate any obviously wrong alternatives, and finally try to find the best answer from among those that remain. This problem-solving strategy is an example of ________.

Accepted Answer

The problem-solving strategy described in this scenario is a heuristic, which is a mental shortcut or rule of thumb used to make a decision quickly and efficiently. The person is not using a step-by-step algorithm, but rather using their own judgment to eliminate obviously wrong choices and select the best answer from the remaining options. This process involves top-down processing, which means starting with a general idea or concept and narrowing down to a specific answer. It does not involve functional fixedness, which is a tendency to only see objects in their traditional or expected use, and is not relevant in this scenario.

Question 3

An example of an algorithm is a ________.

Accepted Answer

An algorithm is a set of instructions or procedures designed to solve a specific problem. A mathematical formula is an example of an algorithm as it follows a specific set of steps to produce a desired result. The other options do not necessarily involve a step-by-step process for problem-solving.

Question 4

An algorithm is a ________.

Accepted Answer

An algorithm is a problem-solving method that, if appropriate, guarantees a solution. It is a step-by-step procedure that provides a well-defined set of instructions to solve a particular problem. Algorithms are commonly used in computer science, mathematics, and other fields that require precise and efficient solutions to complex problems.

Question 5

Gary is assigned to write a history paper. Instead of writing it all in one sitting, he breaks the assignment up into a series of separate tasks that include choosing a topic, doing the research, preparing an outline, writing the first draft, editing, etc. His strategy is best described as ________.

Accepted Answer

Gary is breaking down the larger task of writing a history paper into smaller subgoals, such as choosing a topic, doing research, preparing an outline, etc. This strategy is known as creating subgoals. Hill climbing involves making small adjustments to a solution in order to improve it, while using algorithms involves following a step-by-step procedure to reach a solution. Means-end analysis involves breaking down a problem into smaller steps and identifying the difference between the current state and the desired end state.

Question 6

Which of the following is the best example of hill climbing?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following is the best...

Question 7

Maureen is completing a chemistry project that must be written up using the metric system (i.e., milliliters), but her beaker is scaled in ounces. The best solution strategy for her problem involves a(n) ________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Maureen is completing a chemistry project that...

Question 8

Ken knows that the radius of a circle is 5 feet, but he needs to calculate the diameter. The most effective solution strategy he can use involves a(n) ________.

Accepted Answer

An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure that guarantees a correct answer. In this case, the formula to find the diameter of a circle is diameter = 2 x radius. Therefore, knowing the radius of the circle, Ken can use the algorithm to find the diameter by multiplying the radius by 2.

Question 9

Problem-solving methods that guarantee solutions if appropriate and properly executed are called ________.

Accepted Answer

Algorithms are step-by-step procedures that have a clear set of instructions and guarantee a solution if followed correctly. Prototypes are early versions of a product or solution that may or may not lead to a guaranteed solution. Heuristics are problem-solving strategies that may not always lead to a guaranteed solution. Noncompensatory models are decision-making models that involve eliminating options that do not meet certain criteria, but they do not necessarily guarantee a solution.

Question 10

The process of moving continuously closer to a final goal without ever digressing or going backward is ________.

Accepted Answer

Hill climbing is the process of continuously getting closer to a final goal without ever moving backward or digressing. It is commonly used in problem-solving and decision-making situations where the goal is clearly defined and the steps towards it are incremental. The other choices are not related to this concept - stepwise incrimination refers to gradual increases in criminal charges, functional fixedness refers to an inability to see an object's potential uses beyond its intended function, and subgoal activation refers to breaking a larger goal into smaller, manageable sub-goals.

Question 11

Hill climbing is inappropriate in solving a problem requiring ________.

Accepted Answer

Hill climbing is a heuristic that involves making the best possible move at each step towards a solution, without looking back or exploring other options. It does not involve creating subgoals or eliminating incorrect alternatives, but rather focuses on making gradual progress towards a goal. Therefore, it is not well-suited for problems that require digressing or exploring alternative solutions in order to make ultimate progress.

Question 12

A strategy that involves analyzing the difference between the current situation and the desired goal, and then reducing the discrepancy, is called ________.

Accepted Answer

The strategy described is means-end analysis, which involves breaking the problem down into smaller subgoals and identifying the differences between the current state and the goal state. This technique can help people develop a plan to reduce the discrepancy and achieve their desired outcome. Creating subgoals (A) is a related technique that can be helpful when using means-end analysis, but it does not fully capture the process of analyzing the difference between the current situation and the goal. Problem-solving set (C) refers to a person's mindset and approach to solving problems, not to a specific strategy for reducing discrepancies. Compensatory modeling (D) is not a recognized problem-solving strategy.

Question 13

A heuristic strategy that combines hill climbing and subgoals is ________.

Accepted Answer

Means-end analysis involves breaking down a problem into subgoals and determining the difference between the current state and the goal state. Hill climbing is then used to make progress towards each subgoal, while constantly checking to see if progress is being made towards the ultimate goal. Therefore, means-end analysis combines both hill climbing and subgoals as heuristic strategies. Information retrieval and trial and error are not necessarily related to the use of subgoals. Working backward involves starting from the goal state and working backwards to the initial state, which is a different strategy altogether.

Question 14

Amanda is on a strict diet that allows her exactly 800 calories a day. Which of the following strategies is most likely to help her succeed in her goal?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Amanda is on a strict diet that...

Question 15

A strategy in which the search for a solution starts at the goal and works toward the givens is called ________.

Accepted Answer

Working backward is a strategy where one starts from the desired end goal and works their way backward to the given starting point, breaking the task down into smaller steps that will lead to the solution. This strategy is commonly used in problem-solving and inferences.

Question 16

Your car is not operating correctly. The mechanic opens the hood and says "We've been seeing lots of cars recently with fouled plugs or dirty fuel filters. Let's start there and see if that's your problem, too." The mechanic is using a(n) ________.

Accepted Answer

The mechanic is using a heuristic, which is a mental shortcut or rule-of-thumb used to simplify decision-making processes. They have observed a common issue with other cars and are suggesting that the same issue may be the problem with this particular car.

Question 17

Which of the following is a type of heuristic?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following is a type...

Question 18

Rules of thumb that do not guarantee a solution but may help bring one within reach are called ________.

Accepted Answer

Heuristics are generally used to find a solution or comply with good practices. However, it does not guarantee a solution or accuracy, but it assists in narrowing down the options to find the most suitable solution or outcome. Algorithms, on the other hand, are precise and accurate and guarantee a solution, but they may be impractical or time-consuming for certain situations. Functional sets and problem states are not relevant to the context of the question.

Question 19

Which of the following is not a type of heuristic?

Accepted Answer

An algorithm is a systematic step-by-step procedure for solving a problem, while heuristics are general problem-solving strategies that simplify a complex problem by limiting the number of possible solutions. Therefore, an algorithm is not a type of heuristic.

Question 20

A problem-solving strategy that requires only the accessing of information from long-term memory is ________.

Accepted Answer

Information retrieval strategy involves accessing information from long-term memory to solve a problem without the need for trial and error or heuristics. Hill-climbing involves taking steps towards a solution and trial and error involves trying different solutions until one works. Heuristics involve using a rule of thumb or shortcut to solve a problem that may not always be accurate.

Quiz 7: Cognition and Mental Abilities