Question 1

In problem solving,a method that always produces a problem solution (though not necessarily very efficiently)is known as

Accepted Answer

An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure for solving a problem that is guaranteed to always produce a correct solution. While it may not always be the most efficient or practical solution, it will always provide a solution. In contrast, heuristics are problem-solving strategies or shortcuts that may lead to a solution but do not guarantee one. Matrices and the hill-climbing heuristic are specific types of heuristics, not general problem-solving methods that always produce a solution.

Question 2

People are especially likely to use analogies effectively in problem solving

Accepted Answer

Analogies involve identifying similarities between two seemingly different situations or concepts. The ability to identify structural similarities is important in using analogies effectively. Therefore, option B is the best choice. Options A and D do not necessarily correlate with analogy use. Option C suggests that analogies are more applicable to ill-defined problems, but research does not necessarily support this claim.

Question 3

Suppose that several high school algebra teachers are trying to encourage their students to use analogies more appropriately when they try to solve word problems.The teachers should instruct students

Accepted Answer

Sorting a number of problems into categories based on structural similarities can help students identify patterns and relationships between problems that can be useful for developing analogies. This can also help students see the underlying structure of problems and how to apply similar methods or strategies to solve them. Therefore, option C is the best choice for encouraging students to use analogies more effectively. Option A is not relevant to the task of using analogies, and option B may not be practical or useful for all problems. Option D is also not applicable to this task.

Question 4

Research on problem isomorphs has demonstrated that

Accepted Answer

Problem isomorphs refer to problems that have the same underlying structure but different surface features. Research has shown that identifying problem isomorphs is a key component of effective problem-solving, and that it often requires peeling away superficial features to reveal the underlying structures. Novices tend to struggle with identifying isomorphs, while experts tend to excel at this task.

Question 5

In a means-ends analysis,

Accepted Answer

In a means-ends analysis, we divide the problem into a number of subproblems. This approach involves breaking down a complex problem into smaller parts in order to reach a desired outcome. By solving each of the subproblems in turn, we can gradually work towards achieving the overall goal.

Question 6

Which of the following research questions would have the highest ecological validity?

Accepted Answer

Ecological validity refers to how well the findings of a study can be generalized to real-life settings. Question B involves a common, everyday task that people might actually perform, making it more ecologically valid.

Question 7

In problem solving,heuristics

Accepted Answer

Heuristics are strategies that do not guarantee finding the optimal solution but rather aim to quickly identify a satisfactory solution. They typically examine only a subset of all possible alternatives, so they can miss the optimal solution but are often faster to apply than algorithms. Therefore, option C is correct as it states that heuristics examine only some of the alternatives. Options A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not apply to heuristics in problem-solving.

Question 8

Jane is given an anagram to solve: DFROJ In attempting to solve the anagram,Jane takes out a sheet of paper and methodically begins to write down every possible combination of these five letters: DFRJO,DFJOR,DFJRO,DFORJ,and so forth Jane's strategy would be described as

Accepted Answer

Jane is following a specific set of rules or steps to solve the anagram, which is characteristic of an algorithm.

Question 9

Which of the following research topics would be most interesting to a psychologist who favors the situated-cognitive approach?

Accepted Answer

The situated-cognitive approach focuses on how knowledge is constructed within and linked to the context in which it is used. Option D involves real-world problem-solving strategies, which aligns with this approach.

Question 10

A major problem with using the analogy approach to problem solving is that

Accepted Answer

People often focus on surface features rather than the underlying structural features, which are crucial for effectively applying analogies to solve problems.

Question 11

When people try to solve problems,which feature of the problem should they emphasize the most?

Accepted Answer

Emphasizing the structural features of the problem helps to identify the underlying structure and relationships within the problem, allowing for a more effective and efficient problem-solving approach. Surface features refer to the superficial aspects of the problem, while schematic features refer to pre-existing knowledge or mental models that can be applied to the problem. Algorithms are specific step-by-step procedures for solving a problem and are not necessarily applicable to every problem.

Question 12

Why is the embodied cognition approach important when people are trying to solve certain kinds of problems?

Accepted Answer

Embodied cognition suggests that physical actions, such as gestures, can help in processing and understanding abstract concepts, thus aiding problem-solving.

Question 13

In order to understand a problem,you need to understand the underlying meaning.This basic core of a problem is called its

Accepted Answer

The basic core of a problem is its underlying structure, also known as structural features. Mental set refers to a predisposition to solve a problem in a certain way due to past experiences. Goal state is the desired outcome of the problem-solving process. Surface features refer to the details and specific elements of a problem.

Question 14

Your friend Jerome has lost his contact lens in his room.He begins searching in one corner and methodically moves from right to left and then back from left to right,examining every square inch.What strategy is he using?

Accepted Answer

Jerome is using the strategy of exhaustive search, which involves systematically searching through all possible options.

Question 15

Which of the following circumstances is most likely to encourage the successful use of analogies in problem solving?

Accepted Answer

Trying to solve several problems that are structurally similar before seeing the target problem allows individuals to build a schema or mental framework for solving problems of that type. By building this schema, individuals are more likely to recognize relevant similarities and differences between problems and thus be better able to use analogies to solve problems.

Question 16

Which of the following students provides the best summary of the situated-cognition approach?

Accepted Answer

The situated-cognition approach emphasizes the importance of solving everyday problems in real-world settings. This is most accurately reflected in Vladimir's statement. The other options touch on aspects of the approach but do not fully capture its central focus.

Question 17

If you solve a problem by using the solution strategy from an earlier problem,which of the following problem-solving strategies are you using?

Accepted Answer

Using a solution strategy from an earlier problem involves using analogy, which is the process of using a similar situation or solution as a guide for solving the current problem. The General Problem Solver is a computer program designed to solve problems using a set of rules, whereas means-ends analysis is a problem-solving strategy that involves breaking the problem down into smaller subgoals. Backward search is a problem-solving strategy that involves working backwards from the desired solution to the current state. Therefore, the best choice for this scenario is C - analogy.

Question 18

Suppose that you have an assignment to write a review of the literature on a topic in cognitive psychology.If you used means-ends analysis,you would begin by

Accepted Answer

Means-ends analysis is a problem-solving strategy that involves breaking the problem into subgoals and finding ways to move from the current state to the goal state by solving each subgoal. In the case of writing a literature review, this may involve breaking the task into parts such as selecting a topic, locating resources, reading and summarizing articles, and writing the review itself. By breaking the task into smaller subgoals, the writer can focus on one step at a time and avoid feeling overwhelmed by the larger task.

Question 19

Dwaine has just completed a high school course in algebra.However,when he needs to solve a problem that uses basic algebra,he finds that he does not know how to apply his knowledge.Cognitive psychologists would argue that Dwaine

Accepted Answer

Situated cognition refers to the idea that knowledge is specific to the situation or context in which it is learned. In other words, if Dwaine learned algebra in a high school classroom, he may struggle to understand how to apply it in a real-world context or different setting. Therefore, cognitive psychologists would argue that Dwaine is having trouble because of the situated-cognition issue.

Question 20

Which of the following research topics on problem solving would have the lowest ecological validity?

Accepted Answer

Option D has the lowest ecological validity as it only focuses on a specific demographic of students in a particular setting, i.e., a geometry class, which may not reflect problem-solving behaviors in real-life situations. The other options cover problem-solving scenarios that are commonly encountered in everyday life and thus have higher ecological validity.

Quiz 11: Problem Solving and Creativity

In problem solving,a method that always produces a problem solution (though not necessarily very efficiently) is known as