What is thinking? Processing of information to solve problems and make
judgements and decisions
Problem-solving What is a “problem”?, blocks to problem-solving, and
solution strategies
What is a “problem”? ● A situation in which there is a goal, but it is not
clear how to reach the goal
○ Well defined problem = lacking clear
specifications of either the start state,
(where you are), goal state (where you wa
to be) and the processes for reaching the
goal state (how to get there) (clear solutio
(straightforward)
○ Ill defined problem = lacking clear
specifications of either the start state, goa
state, or the processes for reaching the go
state (no clear solution)
● Problem-solving has two steps
○ Interpreting the problem = what is the
problem?, resources to complete the
problem
○ Trying to solve the problem
● Blocks to problem-solving can occur at both step
, What are some blocks to ● Interpretation blocks
problem-solving? ○ Fixation = the inability to create a new
interpretation of a problem; only see the
problem or solution; only one perspective
■ For instance, in the 9-dot problem,
the directions do not say one canno
go “outside” the mental square
formed by the 9 dots
○ Functional fixedness = the inability to see
that an object can have a function other th
its typical one in solving a problem
■ For example, if you need a
screwdriver but don’t have one, a
dime could be used to serve the
purpose of a screwdriver
■ Occurs during the definition phase
of problem solvingLimits our ability
to solve problems that require usin
an object in a novel way
■ To combat functional fixedness, yo
should systematically think about
the possible novel uses of all the
various objects in the problem
environment
● Strategy blocks = put a strategy in motion to solv
the problem
○ Mental set = tendency to use previously
successful problem solving strategies
without considering others that are more
appropriate for the current problem
How do you overcome blocks? ● To combat the blocks in problems solving, ask
yourself questions such as:
○ Is my interpretation of the problem
unnecessarily constraining possible
solutions?
○ Can I use any of the objects in the problem
in novel ways to solve the problem?
○ Do I need a new type of solution strategy?
judgements and decisions
Problem-solving What is a “problem”?, blocks to problem-solving, and
solution strategies
What is a “problem”? ● A situation in which there is a goal, but it is not
clear how to reach the goal
○ Well defined problem = lacking clear
specifications of either the start state,
(where you are), goal state (where you wa
to be) and the processes for reaching the
goal state (how to get there) (clear solutio
(straightforward)
○ Ill defined problem = lacking clear
specifications of either the start state, goa
state, or the processes for reaching the go
state (no clear solution)
● Problem-solving has two steps
○ Interpreting the problem = what is the
problem?, resources to complete the
problem
○ Trying to solve the problem
● Blocks to problem-solving can occur at both step
, What are some blocks to ● Interpretation blocks
problem-solving? ○ Fixation = the inability to create a new
interpretation of a problem; only see the
problem or solution; only one perspective
■ For instance, in the 9-dot problem,
the directions do not say one canno
go “outside” the mental square
formed by the 9 dots
○ Functional fixedness = the inability to see
that an object can have a function other th
its typical one in solving a problem
■ For example, if you need a
screwdriver but don’t have one, a
dime could be used to serve the
purpose of a screwdriver
■ Occurs during the definition phase
of problem solvingLimits our ability
to solve problems that require usin
an object in a novel way
■ To combat functional fixedness, yo
should systematically think about
the possible novel uses of all the
various objects in the problem
environment
● Strategy blocks = put a strategy in motion to solv
the problem
○ Mental set = tendency to use previously
successful problem solving strategies
without considering others that are more
appropriate for the current problem
How do you overcome blocks? ● To combat the blocks in problems solving, ask
yourself questions such as:
○ Is my interpretation of the problem
unnecessarily constraining possible
solutions?
○ Can I use any of the objects in the problem
in novel ways to solve the problem?
○ Do I need a new type of solution strategy?
