Problem Solving: Discovering, describing, analyzing, solving problems, and verifying solution.

• Problem-solving Steps (D’Zurilla, Goldfried, 1971)

Well-defined Problems: Problems with procedures leading to correct answers. Defined states, possible to be effectively solved by computers. (e.g. calculating the hypotenuse length)

Ill-defined Problems: Do not have just one correct answer, not solvable by algorithms. (e.g. choosing a major in college, relationship problems, etc.)

Behaviorist Approach

Reproductive Process of problem solving (Thorndike 1898)

• Solving problem by using previous experiences and known info (trial-and-error).
• Law of Effect: Response produce good effect in situation A ⇒ more likely to recur in A.

Gestalt Approach

Productive Process of problem solving: Thinking about a problem (mentally restructure info).

• Restructuring: Think flexibly of possible ways to represent and solve the problem.
• Insight: Occurs during productive process, when info is restructured and solution form.
• Heuristic: Educated guesses or intuitive judgements. (Faster response)

Barriers to Problem Solving

Irrelevant Info: Unable to ignore irrelevant info (affects more ill-defined problems)

Functional Fixedness: Tend to perceive an item only in its common use.

• Two String Problem: Use the tool to swing the string

Fixation: Tend to focus on a specific characteristic of a problem.

Insight

Insight Problem: Problem which solution appears suddenly in your consciousness.