Question 1

As you are driving to your friend's new apartment, you realize that you forgot the address of the apartment building.You know that the apartment is north of his old apartment.As you drive down the street where his old apartment is, you begin looking at the signs: Azalea Drive, Oak Circle, Peach Tree Street, and Sycamore Drive.You remember that the apartment is on a Drive, not a street or circle, which narrows down the possibilities and illustrates your use of a(n)
A)heuristic.
B)algorithm.
C)intuition.
D)random search strategy.

Accepted Answer

The use of the Drive heuristic (narrowing down to streets with the name "Drive") is an example of a heuristic, which is a mental shortcut or rule of thumb used to solve a problem. It is not a strict set of instructions like an algorithm, nor based on intuition or random chance.

Question 2

Although almost everyone who has tried to play a poker game like Texas Hold 'Em begins at the mechanical, trial-and-error level with those who persist and can keep up with the other players
A)using algorithms in playing the game.
B)using rote methods, such as printed odds tables for each stage of the game.
C)utilizing representativeness heuristics in placing bets.
D)understanding the general properties of the game.

Accepted Answer

Understanding the general properties of the game is the best choice. While using algorithms or printed odds tables can be helpful, they may not always be applicable to every hand and can limit one's ability to adapt to different situations. Utilizing representativeness heuristics can also be flawed, as it relies on stereotypes and assumptions rather than accurate probabilities. Therefore, having a solid understanding of the fundamental principles and strategies of the game is crucial for success in poker.

Question 3

Whitney tells her friend Jan that she can wear the extra jacket that she keeps in her car.Whitney hands Jan her keys and heads off to class.Jan heads to Whitney's car with the set of eight keys.She looks at the keys, noting that two are too small to be car keys; and then she looks for any key that might have a symbol associated with a particular car.She finds two keys that have a shape on them like the hood ornament on Whitney's car.So, these will be the only two keys of the eight that she will try.Jan used _____ to solve this "key" problem.
A)functional fixedness
B)an algorithm
C)a heuristic
D)a random search strategy

Accepted Answer

Jan used a heuristic to solve the "key" problem by eliminating the keys that were too small to be car keys and choosing the two keys that had a shape similar to the hood ornament on Whitney's car. A heuristic is a mental shortcut or rule of thumb that allows people to make judgments and solve problems efficiently. The other options do not apply to Jan's problem-solving approach, as she did not have a specific set of steps (algorithm) to follow, she did not rely on a specific preconceived notion about what car keys should look like (functional fixedness), and she did not try every possible key (random search strategy).

Question 4

A solution that correctly states the requirements for success in solving a problem, but not in sufficient detail for further action, is called a _____ solution.
A)heuristic
B)general
C)functional
D)specific

Accepted Answer

A general solution provides the overall requirements for success but lacks specific details necessary for implementation. A heuristic solution is a problem-solving method that uses shortcuts and rules of thumb rather than an algorithmic approach. A functional solution is one that meets the intended purpose or function, but may not be the most efficient or effective. A specific solution includes detailed steps and actions necessary to achieve success.

Question 5

"Try working backward from the desired goal to the starting point or current state." This advice describes a
A)syllogism.
B)heuristic.
C)prototype.
D)dimension of the semantic differential.

Accepted Answer

This advice is describing a problem-solving strategy known as a heuristic, which involves starting with a desired outcome and working backward to figure out how to achieve it. Heuristics are commonly used in fields like engineering, mathematics, and computer programming to help solve complex problems. The other options (syllogism, prototype, dimension of the semantic differential) do not accurately describe this strategy.

Question 6

A detailed, practical, and workable solution to a problem is called a _____ solution.
A)heuristic
B)general
C)functional
D)specific

Accepted Answer

The answer of A detailed, practical, and workable solution to...

Question 7

In his study of thinking, Duncker found that the second step in problem-solving based on understanding is to
A)propose a number of functional solutions.
B)determine the general properties of a correct solution.
C)enumerate all the implicit actions for solving the problem.
D)approach solutions using a trial-and-error method.

Accepted Answer

Duncker's second step in problem-solving based on understanding is to generate different possible solutions or proposals that align with the problem's requirements. This aligns with choice (A), which states to propose a number of functional solutions. Choice (B) is incorrect because it refers to determining the general properties of a correct solution, which is the third step in Duncker's process. Choice (C) is also incorrect because it pertains to the fourth step, which is listing all the implicit actions required to solve the problem. Choice (D) contradicts Duncker's method, which involves generating functional proposals rather than relying on a trial-and-error approach.

Question 8

"Try to identify how the current state of affairs differs from the desired goal, and then find steps that will reduce the difference." This advice describes a
A)syllogism.
B)heuristic.
C)prototype.
D)dimension of the semantic differential.

Accepted Answer

This advice describes a problem-solving heuristic, which is a mental shortcut or strategy that helps individuals make decisions or solve problems efficiently. In this case, the heuristic suggests breaking down the problem by identifying the current state and the desired goal, and then figuring out steps to bridge the gap between them.

Question 9

A random search strategy involves
A)the use of insight and pragmatics.
B)trying possible solutions to a problem in a more or less random order.
C)limiting the number of possible solutions to be tried.
D)correctly stating the requirements for success but not in enough detail for further action.

Accepted Answer

A random search strategy involves trying possible solutions to a problem in a more or less random order, without any particular insight or structured approach. This can be helpful in situations where the solution space is not well defined or there are too many possible solutions to consider systematically. However, it can also be inefficient and time-consuming if there are a large number of possibilities to explore.

Question 10

Heuristics are problem-solving strategies which
A)use a trial and error approach.
B)use random search strategies.
C)guarantee success in solving a problem.
D)reduce the number of alternatives.

Accepted Answer

Heuristics are problem-solving strategies that aim to reduce the number of alternatives by limiting the search space to a manageable size. They do not guarantee success in solving a problem, nor do they use a trial and error or random search approach. Therefore, the best choice is D, which accurately describes the purpose and function of heuristics.

Question 11

Problem-solving strategies that reduce the number of steps necessary to solve a problem are called
A)semantic differentials.
B)mechanical solutions.
C)heuristics.
D)trial and error strategies.

Accepted Answer

Heuristics are problem-solving strategies that simplify and reduce the number of steps necessary to solve a problem. Semantic differentials are a method of measuring attitudes and perceptions, and mechanical solutions refer to methods that involve physical machinery or technology. Trial and error strategies involve attempting various solutions until one is found that works.

Question 12

Almost everyone who has tried the Rubik's cube puzzle begins with _____, with some even taking the easy route of reading the printed instructions that give the steps for a _____ solution.
A)trial-and-error; rote
B)heuristics; general
C)algorithm; heuristic
D)a functional solution; trial-and-error

Accepted Answer

Trial-and-error is a common method used by beginners to solve puzzles like the Rubik's cube, and a rote solution refers to following memorized steps without understanding the underlying principles.

Question 13

Barry is learning to play Texas Hold'Em, so he reads books and looks at printed odds tables available for every stage of play within the game.Barry is learning to play this poker game through
A)trial-and-error.
B)rote.
C)representativeness heuristics.
D)an understanding of the general properties of the game.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Barry is learning to play Texas Hold'Em,...

Question 14

A student who takes a multiple-choice test by reading the stem of each item, looking for key words, and generating a tentative response before looking at the responses.This helps the student narrow down the possible answers.This student is using
A)a heuristic.
B)a random search strategy.
C)vicarious problem-solving.
D)an algorithmic search strategy.

Accepted Answer

The student is using a strategy of generating a tentative response based on key words, which is a heuristic approach, as opposed to a random or systematic approach.

Question 15

Functional solutions
A)are rule-based.
B)are general.
C)are workable.
D)involve trial and error.

Accepted Answer

Functional solutions are those solutions that work and are practical in real-world situations. They may not necessarily be rule-based or general and may involve some trial and error. However, their main characteristic is that they are workable and can be implemented successfully to solve a problem. Therefore, option C, "are workable," is the best choice.

Question 16

Almost everyone who has tried to play a poker game like Texas Hold'Em begins at the mechanical level of
A)trial-and-error.
B)representativeness heuristics.
C)functional solutions.
D)understanding the general properties of the game.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Almost everyone who has tried to play...

Question 17

In his study of thinking, Duncker found that the first step in problem-solving based on understanding is to discover
A)a number of functional solutions.
B)the set of rules that lead to the solution.
C)the general properties of a correct solution.
D)the implicit actions for solving the problem.

Accepted Answer

Duncker found that the first step in problem-solving based on understanding is to discover the general properties of a correct solution. This involves gaining an overall understanding of what constitutes a successful solution before diving into specific strategies or actions.

Question 18

A(n) _____ is a "rule of thumb" that reduces the number of alternatives a person must consider.
A)algorithm
B)heuristic
C)syllogism
D)intuitive concept

Accepted Answer

A heuristic is a mental shortcut or rule of thumb that helps people make decisions and solve problems quickly and efficiently. It reduces the number of alternatives a person must consider, which can be helpful in situations where time or resources are limited. Algorithms are step-by-step procedures for solving problems or completing tasks, and while they can also reduce the number of alternatives, they are often more time-consuming and complex to implement. Syllogisms are a type of deductive reasoning that involve two premises and a conclusion. Intuitive concepts are based on personal experience or intuition rather than on a systematic or logical approach to problem-solving.

Question 19

In order to solve the Rubik's cube puzzle consistently, a person must
A)use a random search strategy.
B)use algorithms.
C)solve the puzzle through a flash of insight.
D)understand the general properties of the puzzle.

Accepted Answer

The answer of In order to solve the Rubik's cube...

Question 20

Jan asks her friend Whitney to run to her new apartment near campus and get her report that she left on the table by the door so she will not miss the test.She hands Whitney her key ring that has eight keys on it.Whitney runs to the apartment and then realizes that she does not know which key will open the door; so she just starts trying one key and then another, hoping by chance to find the right one.Finally, the fifth key she tries opens the door.Whitney was using _____ to solve the "key" problem.
A)insight
B)pragmatics
C)a general solution
D)a random search strategy

Accepted Answer

Whitney was using a random search strategy since she started trying one key after another in no particular order in hopes of finding the correct key.

Quiz 9: Extension A: Cognition, Language, Creativity, and Intelligence

Although almost everyone who has tried to play a poker game like Texas Hold 'Em begins at the mechanical, trial-and-error level with those who persist and can keep up with the other players

A solution that correctly states the requirements for success in solving a problem, but not in sufficient detail for further action, is called a _____ solution.

"Try working backward from the desired goal to the starting point or current state." This advice describes a

A detailed, practical, and workable solution to a problem is called a _____ solution.

In his study of thinking, Duncker found that the second step in problem-solving based on understanding is to

"Try to identify how the current state of affairs differs from the desired goal, and then find steps that will reduce the difference." This advice describes a

A random search strategy involves

Heuristics are problem-solving strategies which

Problem-solving strategies that reduce the number of steps necessary to solve a problem are called

Almost everyone who has tried the Rubik's cube puzzle begins with _, with some even taking the easy route of reading the printed instructions that give the steps for a _ solution.

Barry is learning to play Texas Hold'Em, so he reads books and looks at printed odds tables available for every stage of play within the game.Barry is learning to play this poker game through

A student who takes a multiple-choice test by reading the stem of each item, looking for key words, and generating a tentative response before looking at the responses.This helps the student narrow down the possible answers.This student is using

Functional solutions

Almost everyone who has tried to play a poker game like Texas Hold'Em begins at the mechanical level of

In his study of thinking, Duncker found that the first step in problem-solving based on understanding is to discover

A(n) _____ is a "rule of thumb" that reduces the number of alternatives a person must consider.

In order to solve the Rubik's cube puzzle consistently, a person must