Problem Solving

What is the sudden discovery of the correct solution following incorrect attempts based primarily on trial and error?

• discovery

• insight

• revealing

• thought process

What is the tendency to perceive an item only in terms of its most common use?

• irrelevant information

• unnecessary constraints

• functional fixedness

• problem solving

What exists when people persist in using problem solving strategies that have worked in the past ?

• mental set

• unnecessary constraints

• irrelevant information

• insight

What are specific , step by step , instructions that help successfully solve some problems?

• Heuristics

• Equations

• Algorithms

• Pythagorean Theorem

What is a general problem solving strategy that may or may not yield a successful outcome ; “rule of thumb” used in decision making?

• Heuristics

• Equations

• algorithms

• Pythagorean Theorem

What heuristic involves trying possible solutions sequentially and discarding those that are in error until one works?

• identifying subgoals

• brainstorm

• draw an analogy

• trial and error

What heuristic lets a problem remain unresolved for a few hours or days , allowing time for a broad search of long term memory for potentially productive approaches ?

• brainstorm

• incubate

• identifying subgoals

• draw an analogy

What is used to understand information and events that need to be remembered and can allow one to visualize themselves achieving success , solving problems and cope with problematic situations that may arise?

• mental imagery

• verbal thoughts

• auditory judgements

• oral memories

What can be defined as pictures in the mind or a visual representation in the absence of environmental input ?

• mental imagery

• verbal thoughts

• auditory judgements

• oral memories

Problem solving refers to passive efforts to discover what must be done to achieve a goal that is not readily attainable

• true

• false