PSYC 310 Quiz 2: Problem Solving |
Questions and Answers | 2026/2027
Updated Study Guide & Exam Prep
Solutions | Liberty University Cognitive
Psychology Course
Question 1. Which statement best defines problem solving in cognitive
psychology?
A. Memorizing facts for future use B. Applying previously learned information
without modification C. Identifying a goal and developing strategies to overcome
obstacles D. Making decisions based solely on emotions
Answer: C. Identifying a goal and developing strategies to overcome obstacles
Rationale: Problem solving involves recognizing a desired outcome, identifying
barriers, and using cognitive strategies to reach a solution.
Question 2. What is an initial step in solving a complex problem?
A. Immediately selecting the first available solution B. Clearly defining the
problem C. Ignoring irrelevant-looking information without analysis D. Evaluating
the final result
Answer: B. Clearly defining the problem
Rationale: A clear problem representation helps identify the goal, relevant
information, and constraints before selecting a strategy.
Question 3. Which of the following is an example of an algorithm?
A. Guessing which Answer seems most reasonable B. Choosing the first solution
that comes to mind C. Following a systematic procedure that guarantees a correct
Answer when its conditions are met D. Relying on intuition alone
,Answer: C. Following a systematic procedure that guarantees a correct Answer
when its conditions are met
Rationale: An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure that produces a correct
solution when properly applied to a problem for which it is valid. Unlike heuristics,
algorithms may require substantial time.
Question 4. What is a heuristic?
A. A shortcut or rule of thumb used to simplify problem solving B. A method that
always guarantees the correct Answer C. A process that eliminates the need for
reasoning D. A strategy used only in mathematical calculations
Answer: A. A shortcut or rule of thumb used to simplify problem solving
Rationale: Heuristics reduce the mental effort required to solve problems, but they
can sometimes produce errors or biased judgments.
Question 5. A student tries different combinations of numbers until one satisfies a
mathematical equation. Which strategy is the student using?
A. Means-end analysis B. Trial and error C. Functional fixedness D. Analogical
transfer
Answer: B. Trial and error
Rationale: Trial and error involves testing possible solutions until one works. It can
be useful when the number of possible alternatives is manageable.
Question 6. What does means-end analysis involve?
A. Avoiding difficult tasks B. Comparing the current state with the goal and
reducing the differences between them C. Memorizing every possible Answer D.
Selecting solutions randomly
Answer: B. Comparing the current state with the goal and reducing the differences
between them
Rationale: Means-end analysis breaks a problem into manageable steps by
identifying differences between the present situation and the desired outcome.
,Question 7. Which concept describes the tendency to perceive an object only in
terms of its usual function?
A. Confirmation bias B. Functional fixedness C. Availability heuristic D.
Divergent thinking
Answer: B. Functional fixedness
Rationale: Functional fixedness limits problem solving by making it difficult to
recognize alternative uses for familiar objects.
Question 8. A person needs to open a package but does not consider using a coin
because they think of coins only as money. This is an example of:
A. Functional fixedness B. Mental arithmetic C. Deductive reasoning D. Insight
learning
Answer: A. Functional fixedness
Rationale: The person is restricted by the coin's conventional purpose and fails to
recognize that it could serve as a tool.
Question 9. What is a mental set?
A. A tendency to approach a problem using a strategy that worked previously B.
An inability to remember familiar information C. A process of generating
unrelated ideas D. A strategy that guarantees a novel solution
Answer: A. A tendency to approach a problem using a strategy that worked
previously
Rationale: Mental sets can make familiar problems easier to solve, but they can
interfere when a new problem requires a different approach.
Question 10. Which type of thinking involves generating many possible solutions
to an open-ended problem?
A. Convergent thinking B. Divergent thinking C. Deductive reasoning D. Rote
memorization
Answer: B. Divergent thinking
, Rationale: Divergent thinking emphasizes producing multiple possibilities. It is
often associated with creativity, brainstorming, and flexible thinking.
Question 11. Which type of thinking focuses on identifying one best Answer from
available alternatives?
A. Divergent thinking B. Associative thinking C. Convergent thinking D.
Unstructured thinking
Answer: C. Convergent thinking
Rationale: Convergent thinking narrows possible Answers toward a single solution
that best fits the evidence or problem requirements.
Question 12. What is insight in problem solving?
A. Gradually memorizing a sequence of facts B. Suddenly recognizing a solution
or a new way to understand a problem C. Repeating an unsuccessful strategy
indefinitely D. Avoiding the use of previous knowledge
Answer: B. Suddenly recognizing a solution or a new way to understand a problem
Rationale: Insight occurs when a solution becomes apparent through a
reorganization of how the problem is mentally represented.
Question 13. Which statement best describes analogical problem solving?
A. Solving every problem without prior knowledge B. Applying a solution or
principle from a similar previous problem C. Rejecting information from earlier
experiences D. Selecting Answers based only on frequency
Answer: B. Applying a solution or principle from a similar previous problem
Rationale: Analogical problem solving transfers relevant knowledge from a
familiar source problem to a new target problem with a similar underlying
structure.
Question 14. Why can analogies sometimes fail to help solve a problem?
A. People always remember the details of earlier problems perfectly B. Surface
similarities may distract from important structural differences C. Analogies
eliminate the need for reasoning D. Analogies can be used only in mathematics
Questions and Answers | 2026/2027
Updated Study Guide & Exam Prep
Solutions | Liberty University Cognitive
Psychology Course
Question 1. Which statement best defines problem solving in cognitive
psychology?
A. Memorizing facts for future use B. Applying previously learned information
without modification C. Identifying a goal and developing strategies to overcome
obstacles D. Making decisions based solely on emotions
Answer: C. Identifying a goal and developing strategies to overcome obstacles
Rationale: Problem solving involves recognizing a desired outcome, identifying
barriers, and using cognitive strategies to reach a solution.
Question 2. What is an initial step in solving a complex problem?
A. Immediately selecting the first available solution B. Clearly defining the
problem C. Ignoring irrelevant-looking information without analysis D. Evaluating
the final result
Answer: B. Clearly defining the problem
Rationale: A clear problem representation helps identify the goal, relevant
information, and constraints before selecting a strategy.
Question 3. Which of the following is an example of an algorithm?
A. Guessing which Answer seems most reasonable B. Choosing the first solution
that comes to mind C. Following a systematic procedure that guarantees a correct
Answer when its conditions are met D. Relying on intuition alone
,Answer: C. Following a systematic procedure that guarantees a correct Answer
when its conditions are met
Rationale: An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure that produces a correct
solution when properly applied to a problem for which it is valid. Unlike heuristics,
algorithms may require substantial time.
Question 4. What is a heuristic?
A. A shortcut or rule of thumb used to simplify problem solving B. A method that
always guarantees the correct Answer C. A process that eliminates the need for
reasoning D. A strategy used only in mathematical calculations
Answer: A. A shortcut or rule of thumb used to simplify problem solving
Rationale: Heuristics reduce the mental effort required to solve problems, but they
can sometimes produce errors or biased judgments.
Question 5. A student tries different combinations of numbers until one satisfies a
mathematical equation. Which strategy is the student using?
A. Means-end analysis B. Trial and error C. Functional fixedness D. Analogical
transfer
Answer: B. Trial and error
Rationale: Trial and error involves testing possible solutions until one works. It can
be useful when the number of possible alternatives is manageable.
Question 6. What does means-end analysis involve?
A. Avoiding difficult tasks B. Comparing the current state with the goal and
reducing the differences between them C. Memorizing every possible Answer D.
Selecting solutions randomly
Answer: B. Comparing the current state with the goal and reducing the differences
between them
Rationale: Means-end analysis breaks a problem into manageable steps by
identifying differences between the present situation and the desired outcome.
,Question 7. Which concept describes the tendency to perceive an object only in
terms of its usual function?
A. Confirmation bias B. Functional fixedness C. Availability heuristic D.
Divergent thinking
Answer: B. Functional fixedness
Rationale: Functional fixedness limits problem solving by making it difficult to
recognize alternative uses for familiar objects.
Question 8. A person needs to open a package but does not consider using a coin
because they think of coins only as money. This is an example of:
A. Functional fixedness B. Mental arithmetic C. Deductive reasoning D. Insight
learning
Answer: A. Functional fixedness
Rationale: The person is restricted by the coin's conventional purpose and fails to
recognize that it could serve as a tool.
Question 9. What is a mental set?
A. A tendency to approach a problem using a strategy that worked previously B.
An inability to remember familiar information C. A process of generating
unrelated ideas D. A strategy that guarantees a novel solution
Answer: A. A tendency to approach a problem using a strategy that worked
previously
Rationale: Mental sets can make familiar problems easier to solve, but they can
interfere when a new problem requires a different approach.
Question 10. Which type of thinking involves generating many possible solutions
to an open-ended problem?
A. Convergent thinking B. Divergent thinking C. Deductive reasoning D. Rote
memorization
Answer: B. Divergent thinking
, Rationale: Divergent thinking emphasizes producing multiple possibilities. It is
often associated with creativity, brainstorming, and flexible thinking.
Question 11. Which type of thinking focuses on identifying one best Answer from
available alternatives?
A. Divergent thinking B. Associative thinking C. Convergent thinking D.
Unstructured thinking
Answer: C. Convergent thinking
Rationale: Convergent thinking narrows possible Answers toward a single solution
that best fits the evidence or problem requirements.
Question 12. What is insight in problem solving?
A. Gradually memorizing a sequence of facts B. Suddenly recognizing a solution
or a new way to understand a problem C. Repeating an unsuccessful strategy
indefinitely D. Avoiding the use of previous knowledge
Answer: B. Suddenly recognizing a solution or a new way to understand a problem
Rationale: Insight occurs when a solution becomes apparent through a
reorganization of how the problem is mentally represented.
Question 13. Which statement best describes analogical problem solving?
A. Solving every problem without prior knowledge B. Applying a solution or
principle from a similar previous problem C. Rejecting information from earlier
experiences D. Selecting Answers based only on frequency
Answer: B. Applying a solution or principle from a similar previous problem
Rationale: Analogical problem solving transfers relevant knowledge from a
familiar source problem to a new target problem with a similar underlying
structure.
Question 14. Why can analogies sometimes fail to help solve a problem?
A. People always remember the details of earlier problems perfectly B. Surface
similarities may distract from important structural differences C. Analogies
eliminate the need for reasoning D. Analogies can be used only in mathematics
