Question 1

In the nine-dot problem discussed in your textbook,the rules do not specify that the lines cannot extend beyond the dots,however most people try to find a solution that follows this non-existent rule anyway.This is an example of:
A)the anchoring effect.
B)belief perseverance
C)a goal state
D)a self-imposed cognitive obstacle.

Accepted Answer

This is an example of a self-imposed cognitive obstacle, as individuals tend to limit their thinking and creativity within the constraints of the non-existent rule.

Question 2

A formula is an example of a(n)______________.
A)logarithm
B)algorithm
C)response set
D)heuristic

Accepted Answer

A formula is an example of an algorithm, which is a set of step-by-step instructions for solving a problem or performing a specific task. The other options are not applicable, as a logarithm is a mathematical function, a response set refers to a group of possible answers to a question, and a heuristic is a problem-solving strategy.

Question 3

Which of the following is a common problem with ill-defined problems?
A)They cannot be solved by algorithmic approaches.
B)They cannot be solved by using operators.
C)It can be difficult to know when the solution has been reached.
D)They cannot be solved by heuristic approaches.

Accepted Answer

Ill-defined problems often lack clear criteria for success, making it difficult to know when a solution has been reached. Options A, B, and D are incorrect as algorithmic, operator, and heuristic approaches can all be used to attempt to solve ill-defined problems, even if they may not always be successful.

Question 4

In problem solving,the techniques we use to reach a solution are called _____________.
A)initial states
B)obstacles
C)operators
D)goal states

Accepted Answer

The techniques used in problem solving are called operators. These are the specific actions or methods that are used to transform the initial state into the desired goal state. Option A refers to the starting point of the problem, while option B refers to the challenges that need to be overcome to reach the solution. Option D refers to the final desired outcome of the problem-solving process. Thus, the correct answer is C.

Question 5

______________ are problem-solving strategies based on a series of rules,while ______________are strategies that stem from prior experiences and provide an educated guess as to what is the most likely solution are called.
A)Algorithms; heuristics
B)Heuristics; algorithms
C)Ill-defined operators; well-defined operators
D)Well-defined operators; Ill-defined operators

Accepted Answer

Algorithms are step-by-step problem-solving strategies that follow a specific set of rules, while heuristics are general problem-solving strategies based on experience and educated guesses.

Question 6

Kyle buys a new refrigerator,but when he gets home,he cannot fit it through the front door of his house.Which of the following would describe an operator for Kyle's problem?
A)The refrigerator is outside of the house.
B)The refrigerator is inside the house.
C)Kyle can make the refrigerator narrower by taking the doors off of it.
D)The refrigerator does not fit through the front door.

Accepted Answer

Option A is simply stating a fact without any solution or operator. Option B is also not presenting any operator or solution. Option D is again stating a fact but not providing any operator. Therefore, the only option with an operator for Kyle's problem is C, as taking the doors off the refrigerator could make it narrower and allow Kyle to fit it through the front door of his house.

Question 7

Which of the following is a characteristic of well-defined problems?
A)The conditions is at the outset of a problem are often unclear.
B)There is typically a clear goal.
C)The problem typically has personal relevance.
D)It can be difficult to know when the problem is solved.

Accepted Answer

Well-defined problems have a clear goal or objective that needs to be achieved. Other options are not characteristics of well-defined problems.

Question 8

Research on Inuit Eskimos has revealed that:
A)although the Inuit have different words for types of snow then are found in English,they appear to think about snow in the same way Americans and other non-Inuit do.
B)the Inuit have hundreds of different words for snow.
C)the specific language the Inuit use affects the way they think about snow.
D)learning to speak English changes the way Inuits think about snow.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Research on Inuit Eskimos has revealed that:
A)although...

Question 9

Initial state,goal state,and obstacles are the three main features of ___________.
A)semantic networks
B)language
C)categorization
D)problems

Accepted Answer

The three main features of problems are the initial state, goal state, and obstacles. Semantic networks are a type of knowledge representation, language is a means of communication, and categorization is a cognitive process of grouping things based on their similarities or differences.

Question 10

Computers are particularly suited for using ________________ to solve problems.
A)functional fixedness
B)heuristics
C)prototypes
D)algorithms

Accepted Answer

Computers are programmed to follow specific instructions, or algorithms, to solve problems. While they can also use other problem-solving strategies such as heuristics, their efficiency and reliability in executing algorithms make them particularly well-suited for this approach. Functional fixedness and prototypes are cognitive concepts related to human problem-solving and creativity, and are not directly applicable to computer problem-solving.

Question 11

Talia is looking for her cat by methodically searching each room and then closing the door.She is using what type of problem solving strategy?
A)an algorithm
B)a heuristic
C)anchoring
D)a hunch

Accepted Answer

Talia is using an algorithm, which is a step-by-step problem solving strategy that guarantees a correct solution if followed correctly.

Question 12

Kyle buys a new refrigerator,but when he gets home,he cannot fit it through the front door of his house.Which of the following would describe the initial state for Kyle's problem?
A)The refrigerator is outside of the house.
B)The refrigerator is inside the house.
C)Kyle can make the refrigerator narrower by taking the doors off of it.
D)The refrigerator does not fit through the front door.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Kyle buys a new refrigerator,but when he...

Question 13

While many of his friends dislike math,Ricky enjoys solving math problems.When asked why,Ricky explains that,unlike many real-life problems,with math problems all of the information you need to solve the problem is given to you,and you know when you have reached the solution.Using the terminology of problem solving,why does Ricky like math problems?
A)They form a clear mental set.
B)They are well-defined problems.
C)They are ill-defined problems.
D)They can be solved by using heuristics.

Accepted Answer

Ricky likes math problems because they are well-defined problems, meaning that all the information needed to solve the problem is provided and there is a clear solution. This contrasts with ill-defined problems, which do not have clear solutions and may not have all the necessary information readily available. The other options (A, C, and D) do not accurately describe why Ricky likes math problems.

Question 14

Which of the following is the best example of a well-defined problem?
A)Larry is unhappy with his life.
B)Cassandra needs to think of a good subject for a painting.
C)Jennifer wants to quit smoking.
D)Oscar needs to choose a major for college.

Accepted Answer

A well-defined problem has a clear goal and criteria for success, making Jennifer's goal to quit smoking the best example among the options.

Question 15

Which of the following is true regarding cognitive obstacles?
A)Cognitive obstacles are often self-imposed.
B)Cognitive obstacles can be overcome by using a mental set.
C)Cognitive obstacles are always caused by the parameters of the problem itself.
D)Cognitive obstacles can be overcome by using functional fixedness.

Accepted Answer

Cognitive obstacles often arise from our own limiting beliefs, assumptions, or biases. Thus, they are often self-imposed and can be overcome by challenging and changing our thinking patterns. Choices B, C and D are incorrect because they do not accurately reflect the nature or solution to cognitive obstacles.

Question 16

Compared to a heuristic,an algorithm is more likely to:
A)involve specific rules.
B)require following a step-by-step procedure.
C)give you a precise answer to a problem.
D)involve intuition about how to solve a problem.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Compared to a heuristic,an algorithm is more...

Question 17

Kendra has been a professional chef for 20 years.Instead of following recipes step-by-step,she uses her experience to guide her cooking,adding a pinch of salt here,or a little extra oil there.Kendra's approach to cooking is an example of:
A)functional fixedness.
B)a heuristic.
C)a mental set.
D)an algorithm.

Accepted Answer

Kendra's approach is an example of a heuristic, which is a problem-solving strategy that uses practical experience and common sense rather than a strict step-by-step algorithm.

Question 18

Which of the following is a heuristic approach to determining how many brownies to make for a party?
A)Make the same number as you did for your last party because you recall that number being about right.
B)Multiply the number of people invited by the number of brownies you want each person to have.
C)Determine the number of brownies in each batch and then determine which multiple of that number is closest the estimated number of brownies needed.
D)Estimate the number of brownies each invitee will eat and then sum the estimates.

Accepted Answer

A heuristic approach involves using a mental shortcut or rule of thumb to solve a problem. Option A suggests using the past experience of making brownies for a party as a guide for how many to make for the current party, which is a heuristic approach. The other options involve more specific calculations or estimations.

Question 19

For cognitive psychologists,problem solving generally refers to:
A)the process of finding solutions to only well-defined problems,but not ill-defined problems.
B)finding ways to cope with life stressors.
C)accomplishing a goal when the solution or the path to the solution is not clear.
D)the use of formal,rules-based strategies to find precise solutions.

Accepted Answer

Cognitive psychologists define problem solving as the process of finding a solution to a task or problem that is not immediately obvious. This means that problem solving goes beyond finding solutions to well-defined problems (A) and does not necessarily involve the use of formal, rules-based strategies (D). Coping with life stressors (B) may involve problem solving, but it is not typically what cognitive psychologists are referring to when they use the term. Therefore, the best choice is C which encompasses the broad definition of problem solving in cognitive psychology.

Question 20

Kyle buys a new refrigerator,but when he gets home,he cannot fit it through the front door of his house.Which of the following would describe the obstacle for Kyle's problem?
A)The refrigerator is outside of the house.
B)The refrigerator is inside the house.
C)Kyle can make the refrigerator narrower by taking the doors off of it.
D)The refrigerator does not fit through the front door.

Accepted Answer

The obstacle for Kyle's problem is that the refrigerator does not fit through the front door of his house.

Quiz 8: Thought and Language

In the nine-dot problem discussed in your textbook,the rules do not specify that the lines cannot extend beyond the dots,however most people try to find a solution that follows this non-existent rule anyway.This is an example of:

A formula is an example of a(n) ______________.

Which of the following is a common problem with ill-defined problems?

In problem solving,the techniques we use to reach a solution are called _____________.

are problem-solving strategies based on a series of rules,while are strategies that stem from prior experiences and provide an educated guess as to what is the most likely solution are called.

Kyle buys a new refrigerator,but when he gets home,he cannot fit it through the front door of his house.Which of the following would describe an operator for Kyle's problem?

Which of the following is a characteristic of well-defined problems?

Research on Inuit Eskimos has revealed that:

Initial state,goal state,and obstacles are the three main features of ___________.

Computers are particularly suited for using ________________ to solve problems.

Talia is looking for her cat by methodically searching each room and then closing the door.She is using what type of problem solving strategy?

Kyle buys a new refrigerator,but when he gets home,he cannot fit it through the front door of his house.Which of the following would describe the initial state for Kyle's problem?

Which of the following is the best example of a well-defined problem?

Which of the following is true regarding cognitive obstacles?

Compared to a heuristic,an algorithm is more likely to:

Kendra has been a professional chef for 20 years.Instead of following recipes step-by-step,she uses her experience to guide her cooking,adding a pinch of salt here,or a little extra oil there.Kendra's approach to cooking is an example of:

Which of the following is a heuristic approach to determining how many brownies to make for a party?

For cognitive psychologists,problem solving generally refers to:

Kyle buys a new refrigerator,but when he gets home,he cannot fit it through the front door of his house.Which of the following would describe the obstacle for Kyle's problem?