Question 1

Experts are to parallel processing as novices are to __________.
A)serial processing
B)unipolar processing
C)one-sided processing
D)all of these

Accepted Answer

The opposite of parallel processing is serial processing, where tasks are completed in a step-by-step manner. Therefore, novices are more likely to engage in serial processing because they have less experience and may not be able to multitask efficiently.

Question 2

Dr. Newson, an intern in pediatrics, takes note of the symptoms described by the infant's parents, then checks the baby's temperature, then listens to the baby's breathing, and finally orders a blood test. Dr. Newson is probably using __________ in making a diagnosis.
A)a mental set
B)common sense
C)parallel processing
D)serial processing

Accepted Answer

Dr. Newson is following a specific sequence of steps (taking note of symptoms, checking temperature, listening to breathing, ordering blood test) in a serial manner to arrive at a diagnosis. This means they are using serial processing.

Question 3

In regard to problem solving, functional fixedness __________ solutions.
A)facilitates
B)hinders
C)does not affect
D)promotes

Accepted Answer

Functional fixedness is a cognitive bias that limits a person's ability to see beyond the typical use of an object or solution. This can hinder their ability to come up with creative or alternative solutions to a problem, as they are stuck in their previously learned fixed way of thinking. Therefore, functional fixedness hinders solutions.

Question 4

What is another term for the "Aha!" experience?
A)mental set
B)serial processing
C)parallel processing
D)insight

Accepted Answer

The "Aha!" experience refers to the sudden realization or understanding of a problem, usually after a period of thinking or attempting to solve it. This moment of clarity is often called "insight."

Question 5

What conclusion may be drawn about problem solving from Maier's studies with Bismark?
A)Only humans can solve problems by means of insight.
B)A rat has demonstrated insight under laboratory conditions.
C)A rat has demonstrated trial-and-error learning under laboratory conditions.
D)Rats are capable of insight under a variety of conditions.

Accepted Answer

Maier's studies with Bismark, the rat, demonstrated that insight is not unique to humans and that rats are capable of using insight to solve problems in laboratory settings. This suggests that animals may be capable of more complex problem solving than previously thought.

Question 6

One plausible explanation of the incubation effect is
A)the tendency to allow the unconscious to free up insights.
B)distancing problem solvers from persistent but unproductive mental sets.
C)conscious searching for heuristic devices.
D)spontaneous means-end analysis.

Accepted Answer

The incubation effect suggests that taking a break from a problem can help by distancing problem solvers from unproductive mental sets, allowing for new perspectives and solutions to emerge.

Question 7

Cosmo worked on a difficult calculus problem for several hours to no avail. He decided to take a break from his labors by taking a bath. Midway through his bath, he jumped up and shouted, "Eureka, I solved the problem!" He then ran to his desk and made the calculations. Cosmo allowed __________ to help him overcome the __________ that impeded solution.
A)incubation; mental set
B)a rest period; functional fixedness
C)insight; mental set
D)incubation; functional fixedness

Accepted Answer

The answer of Cosmo worked on a difficult calculus problem...

Question 8

Walking away from a problem temporarily can allow for _________ to help overcome mental sets that interfere with finding the correction solution.
A)industry
B)incantation
C)influence
D)incubation

Accepted Answer

Incubation is the term used to describe the unconscious processing of information related to a problem while the individual is not actively trying to solve it. Taking a break and walking away from the problem for a period of time can allow for incubation to occur, which can help the individual overcome mental sets and find new solutions.

Question 9

Dr. Arndt, an experienced pediatrician, checked the baby's temperature and listened to the baby's breathing through the stethoscope while considering the symptoms described by the baby's parents. Dr. Arndt was probably using ________ in making a diagnosis.
A)a mental set
B)systematic random search
C)serial processing
D)parallel processing

Accepted Answer

The answer of Dr. Arndt, an experienced pediatrician, checked the...

Question 10

The tendency to solve new problems with an approach that solved a similar problem in the past is called
A)insight.
B)an algorithm.
C)a mental set.
D)intelligence.

Accepted Answer

The tendency to solve new problems with an approach that solved a similar problem in the past is referred to as a mental set. This can lead to a lack of creativity, as individuals may become fixed on using the same solution, even if it's not the most effective or appropriate one for the current problem.

Question 11

When an expert can deal with two or more elements of a problem simultaneously, this is called
A)primitive processing.
B)parallel processing.
C)dual processing.
D)none of these.

Accepted Answer

When an expert can deal with two or more elements of a problem simultaneously, it is referred to as parallel processing. This allows for more efficient and effective problem-solving as the expert can take into account multiple aspects of the problem at the same time. Primitive processing refers to basic and rudimentary cognitive processes, and dual processing typically refers to the idea that there are two types of cognitive processes (e.g. intuitive vs analytical) that can operate simultaneously or independently of each other.

Question 12

Consider this problem: "A farmer had 15 sheep. All but 7 died. How many sheep did he have left?" Megan, the math major, arrived at the wrong answer; she said 8. Her response was probably based upon
A)a mental set.
B)functional fixedness.
C)parallel processing.
D)overconfidence.

Accepted Answer

Megan's answer of 8 is likely due to a mental set, as she may have been accustomed to subtraction problems where one number is taken away from another. In this case, the wording of the problem may have led her to incorrectly subtract 7 from 15, rather than recognizing that all but 7 died means that there are 7 left.

Question 13

The ability to generate solutions to a problem by using objects in a new or novel way is blocked by
A)functional fixedness.
B)creativity.
C)mental sets.
D)both a & c.

Accepted Answer

Functional fixedness and mental sets both block the ability to generate solutions to a problem by using objects in a new or novel way. Functional fixedness is the tendency to think of an object only in terms of its usual function, while mental sets are preconceived ideas or expectations that can limit our thinking.

Question 14

Crossword puzzle experts solve problems more efficiently and rapidly than neophytes. Select the skill that in your judgment would least contribute to making a person an expert in solving crossword puzzles.
A)an inborn aptitude for crossword puzzles
B)good memory for the elements of crossword puzzles
C)efficient methods for solving crossword puzzles
D)relating a puzzle to others similar in structure

Accepted Answer

While an inborn aptitude may help, crossword puzzle solving is a skill that can be developed through practice and experience. Memory, efficient methods, and relating puzzles to each other are all attributes that can be learned and honed over time.

Question 15

Several factors can affect one's effectiveness at solving problems. These include
A)your memory for elements of the problem
B)your insight into the problem.
C)your level of expertise
D)all of these.

Accepted Answer

All three factors - memory, insight, and expertise - can play a role in problem-solving effectiveness. Having a good memory for the elements of a problem can help with identifying patterns or making connections between different pieces of information. Insight, or the ability to see a problem from a different perspective, can lead to creative solutions that others may not have considered. Expertise in a particular domain can help with identifying relevant information and applying relevant strategies or techniques to solve the problem. Therefore, all of these factors can influence one's problem-solving effectiveness.

Question 16

Why do experts solve problems more efficiently and rapidly than novices?
A)They can remember the elements of the problem.
B)They can mentally represent the parts of the problem.
C)They can relate the problem to similar problems.
D)All of these.

Accepted Answer

Experts are able to solve problems more efficiently and rapidly because they have a greater knowledge base and experience in the relevant domain, allowing them to remember the key elements of the problem, mentally represent and manipulate the parts of the problem, and relate the problem to similar problems they have encountered before. Therefore, all of these factors contribute to their superior problem-solving abilities.

Question 17

If you are confused by a multiple-choice question because you notice that several choices are correct, but fail to notice that the question asks, "Which is not correct?" you may have experienced the effect of
A)overanticipation.
B)a mental set.
C)overextension.
D)insight.

Accepted Answer

This is an example of a mental set, where one's preconceived notions or expectations about a situation can influence their perceptions and responses. In this case, the individual's assumption that all choices must be incorrect may have caused them to overlook the specific wording of the question.

Question 18

What did N. R. F. Maier's studies of problem solving with Bismark show?
A)Insight was possible in only chimpanzees and humans.
B)Rats were capable of trial-and-error learning.
C)Insight was distributed among mammals.
D)Rats gradually acquired the skills to solve problems.

Accepted Answer

Insight was observed in rats, indicating that it is not limited to chimpanzees and humans.

Question 19

A novice problem solver is likely to try to handle one aspect of the problem at a time. This is called ________ processing.
A)one-sided
B)unipolar
C)serial
D)none of these

Accepted Answer

Serial processing refers to handling one aspect of the problem at a time, which is the tendency of a novice problem solver. Therefore, option C is the best choice. Options A and B are not commonly used terminology in problem-solving strategies. Option D is incorrect because there must be a correct answer.

Question 20

Which of the following is a hindrance to efficient problem solving ability?
A)function fixedness
B)mental set
C)serial processing
D)all of these

Accepted Answer

Function fixedness, mental set, and serial processing are all hindrances to efficient problem solving ability. 
- Function fixedness refers to the tendency to see an object only in terms of its traditional use and not as a potential solution to a problem. This can limit creativity in problem solving. 
- Mental set refers to the tendency to approach a problem in a particular way that has been successful in the past, even if it may not be the best approach for the current problem. This can lead to being stuck in unproductive thinking patterns. 
- Serial processing refers to considering one step at a time in a problem-solving process rather than considering multiple possible solutions simultaneously. This can limit efficiency and creativity in problem solving.

Quiz 7: Thinking, Language, and Intelligence

Experts are to parallel processing as novices are to __________.

Dr. Newson, an intern in pediatrics, takes note of the symptoms described by the infant's parents, then checks the baby's temperature, then listens to the baby's breathing, and finally orders a blood test. Dr. Newson is probably using __________ in making a diagnosis.

In regard to problem solving, functional fixedness __________ solutions.

What is another term for the "Aha!" experience?

What conclusion may be drawn about problem solving from Maier's studies with Bismark?

One plausible explanation of the incubation effect is

Walking away from a problem temporarily can allow for _________ to help overcome mental sets that interfere with finding the correction solution.

Dr. Arndt, an experienced pediatrician, checked the baby's temperature and listened to the baby's breathing through the stethoscope while considering the symptoms described by the baby's parents. Dr. Arndt was probably using ________ in making a diagnosis.

The tendency to solve new problems with an approach that solved a similar problem in the past is called

When an expert can deal with two or more elements of a problem simultaneously, this is called

Consider this problem: "A farmer had 15 sheep. All but 7 died. How many sheep did he have left?" Megan, the math major, arrived at the wrong answer; she said 8. Her response was probably based upon

The ability to generate solutions to a problem by using objects in a new or novel way is blocked by

Crossword puzzle experts solve problems more efficiently and rapidly than neophytes. Select the skill that in your judgment would least contribute to making a person an expert in solving crossword puzzles.

Several factors can affect one's effectiveness at solving problems. These include

Why do experts solve problems more efficiently and rapidly than novices?

If you are confused by a multiple-choice question because you notice that several choices are correct, but fail to notice that the question asks, "Which is not correct?" you may have experienced the effect of

What did N. R. F. Maier's studies of problem solving with Bismark show?

A novice problem solver is likely to try to handle one aspect of the problem at a time. This is called ________ processing.

Which of the following is a hindrance to efficient problem solving ability?