01
Front
What are the basic parts of problem solving?
Back
Problem solving means understanding a problem, setting a goal, and finding a path from the current situation to that goal.
Free Online Flashcard Deck
4 Barriers to Solving Problems Free Online FlashCards
Study 4 Barriers to Solving Problems with 12 free online flashcards. Review key terms, definitions, and concepts with this interactive flashcard deck.
12 cards
02
Front
What is fixation in problem solving?
Back
Fixation is getting stuck on one way of representing or approaching a problem.
03
Front
What is a mental set?
Back
A mental set is a familiar strategy that keeps guiding attempts even when it no longer works.
04
Front
What is functional fixedness?
Back
Functional fixedness is seeing an object only in terms of its usual purpose, which can hide alternative uses.
05
Front
How can functional fixedness obstruct the candle problem?
Back
In the candle problem, treating the box only as a container can hide its possible use as a platform for the candle.
06
Front
What is confirmation bias?
Back
Confirmation bias is favoring information that supports an existing belief or hypothesis while overlooking or discounting challenging evidence.
07
Front
How can problem solvers counter confirmation bias?
Back
Ask what evidence would disconfirm the explanation, compare competing hypotheses, and test simple alternatives instead of seeking only confirming clues.
08
Front
What is working memory, and what limits it?
Back
Working memory temporarily holds and manipulates information for an ongoing task, but its capacity is limited.
09
Front
How can solvers reduce working-memory demands?
Back
Write down known facts, draw a diagram, use a checklist, or break the task into smaller steps to reduce what must be held mentally.
10
Front
What factors can reduce persistence in problem solving?
Back
Low interest, uncertainty about success, competing goals, and frustration can reduce persistence during problem solving.
11
Front
What practical step can support motivation when progress is slow?
Back
Define one small, specific subgoal, try it for a set period, and review what the result shows.
12
Front
How should an unsuccessful attempt be interpreted?
Back
Treat an unsuccessful attempt as information about the approach, not as proof that the whole problem is impossible.
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