Question 1

Which of the following differentiates insightful solutions from other forms of problem solving?
A) Insightful solutions focus on a reduction of alternatives in order to reach understanding.
B) The gaining of insight is a rapid process.
C) Insightful solutions revolve around habitual modes of thought applied to new and interesting situations.
D) Several detailed and workable solutions are derived from a tentative general solution.

Accepted Answer

Insightful solutions are characterized by a sudden understanding or realization that provides a unique and efficient solution to a problem. This differentiates it from other forms of problem solving that may involve a more gradual or systematic approach to finding a solution. Therefore, choice B is the best option because it accurately describes this sudden and rapid aspect of gaining insight in the context of problem solving. Choices A and D are not specific to insightful solutions and could apply to other problem-solving approaches, while choice C is not accurate as insightful solutions often involve breaking away from habitual modes of thought to gain a fresh perspective.

Question 2

Regarding heuristics, which of the following statements is FALSE?
A) A heuristic is a "rule of thumb" that reduces the number of alternatives thinkers must consider.
B) Heuristics are based on a learned set of rules that lead to a correct solution.
C) Expert problems solvers are good at using heuristic strategies.
D) Using heuristics raises one's odds of success, but does not guarantee a solution.

Accepted Answer

Heuristics are not based on a learned set of rules that lead to a correct solution, but rather are shortcuts or mental strategies that help simplify problem-solving tasks. While using heuristics can increase the likelihood of finding a solution, they are not foolproof and may lead to errors or biases.

Question 3

Problem-solving strategies that reduce the number of steps necessary to solve a problem are called
A) semantic differentials.
B) rote solutions.
C) heuristics.
D) algorithmic strategies.

Accepted Answer

Heuristics are problem-solving strategies that reduce the number of steps necessary to solve a problem by using shortcuts or rules of thumb. Semantic differentials are a technique used to measure attitudes towards a particular concept or idea. Rote solutions rely on memorization of specific steps to solve a problem. Algorithmic strategies involve following a set of specific rules to solve a problem. Therefore, the best choice is C, heuristics.

Question 4

Whitney tells her friend Jan that she can wear the extra jacket that she keeps in her car.Whitney hands Jan her keys and heads off to class.Jan heads to Whitney's car with the set of eight keys.She looks at the keys, noting that two are too small to be car keys, and then she looks for any key that might have a symbol associated with a particular car.She finds two keys that have a shape on them like the hood ornament on Whitney's car.So, these will be the only two keys of the eight that she will try.To solve this "key" problem, Jan used
A) functional fixedness.
B) an algorithm.
C) a heuristic.
D) rote learning.

Accepted Answer

Jan used a heuristic, which is a mental shortcut that allows us to make quick judgments and decisions based on limited information. She used the shape of the hood ornament on Whitney's car to make an educated guess about which keys might fit the car.

Question 5

"Try to identify how the current state of affairs differs from the desired goal, and then find steps that will reduce the difference." This advice describes a
A) syllogism.
B) heuristic.
C) prototype.
D) dimension of the semantic differential.

Accepted Answer

This advice describes a problem-solving heuristic, which is a general approach or strategy for finding solutions to problems. The heuristic described is to compare the current state of affairs to a desired goal, and then identify steps that can be taken to reduce the difference between the two.

Question 6

Regarding effective problem solving, which of the following is NOT a heuristic strategy?
A) Represent the problem in other ways, with a graph or an analogy.
B) Generate a possible solution and test it.
C) Use a learned set of rules, step by step.
D) Try working backward from the desired goal to the starting point.

Accepted Answer

Using a learned set of rules, step by step, is not a heuristic strategy but rather an algorithmic approach. Heuristics are more flexible and general problem-solving strategies that do not follow a rigid set of rules.

Question 7

Which of the following represents an insightful problem solution?
A) A child uses his or her shoelace to tie two sticks together to knock an apple from a tree.
B) A poker player discards his lowest card and draws an ace.
C) A geometry student applies a formula to figure the area of a triangle.
D) A physician decides to perform surgery even though the odds are against its success.

Accepted Answer

Insightful problem solving involves a sudden realization or novel approach to a problem. Using a shoelace to tie sticks together to knock an apple from a tree is a creative and non-obvious solution, demonstrating insight.

Question 8

Insight tends to be based on
A) algorithms.
B) heuristics.
C) a random search strategy.
D) reorganizing the problem.

Accepted Answer

Insight involves suddenly realizing the solution to a problem through restructuring, reorganizing, or reframing the problem. It is not based on algorithms or a random search strategy, although heuristics (problem-solving strategies) may be used to facilitate the insight process.

Question 9

"Try working backward from the desired goal to the starting point or current state." This advice describes a
A) syllogism.
B) heuristic.
C) prototype.
D) dimension of the semantic differential.

Accepted Answer

This advice is a heuristic, which is a problem-solving strategy that uses a practical approach to find a solution. In this particular case, the heuristic is suggesting to start with the end goal and work backward to determine the steps needed to reach that goal.

Question 10

Jan asks her friend Whitney to run to her new apartment near campus and get her report that she left on the table by the door so she will not miss the test.She hands Whitney her key ring that has eight keys on it.Whitney runs to the apartment and then realizes that she does not know which key will open the door, so she just starts trying one key and then another, hoping by chance to find the right one.Finally, the fifth key she tries opens the door.To solve the "key" problem, Whitney was using
A) insight.
B) pragmatics.
C) a general solution.
D) a random search strategy.

Accepted Answer

Whitney was using a random search strategy, as she was trying keys one by one without any particular order or plan.

Question 11

A student who takes a multiple-choice test by reading the stem of each item, looking for key words, and generating a tentative response before looking at the responses.This helps the student narrow down the possible answers.This student is using
A) a heuristic.
B) a semantic differential strategy.
C) vicarious problem-solving.
D) an algorithmic search strategy.

Accepted Answer

The student is using a problem-solving strategy known as a heuristic. This involves using general rules or shortcuts to quickly come up with a solution or answer. In this case, the student is using key words in the stem of each item to generate a tentative response, which helps narrow down the possible answers without having to carefully evaluate each one.

Question 12

Heuristics are problem-solving strategies which
A) use an algorithmic approach.
B) use rote learning strategies.
C) guarantee success in solving a problem.
D) reduce the number of alternatives.

Accepted Answer

Heuristics are problem-solving strategies that reduce the number of alternatives. They do not guarantee success, use an algorithmic approach, or rely on rote learning strategies.

Question 13

Selective combination, selective comparison, and selective encoding are all related to
A) algorithmic solutions.
B) finding solutions by insight.
C) cognitive assimilation.
D) convergent thinking.

Accepted Answer

Selective combination, selective comparison, and selective encoding are all related to finding solutions by insight. These processes involve selectively attending to and manipulating information in order to come up with a novel solution or idea. They are not necessarily algorithmic, and while they can involve convergent thinking, they also rely on divergent thinking and creative problem-solving. Cognitive assimilation may be involved in these processes, but it is not the central focus.

Question 14

After working to solve a problem for three hours, Larry has just about "given up" until he suddenly realizes the "perfect" solution and wonders why he did not think of it sooner.Larry has just experienced
A) inductive thought.
B) deductive thought.
C) functional fixedness.
D) insight.

Accepted Answer

Larry's sudden realization of the perfect solution after having given up indicates that he likely experienced insight, which is the sudden understanding or solution to a problem that wasn't immediately obvious before.

Question 15

When problem solving, if you cannot reach a goal directly, try to identify an intermediate goal or subproblem that at least gets you closer.This advice best illustrates the use of a(n)
A) algorithm.
B) heuristic.
C) mechanical solution.
D) random search strategy.

Accepted Answer

This advice reflects the use of a heuristic, which involves breaking down a problem into smaller parts and applying general problem-solving strategies to solve them. By identifying an intermediate goal or subproblem, one can approach the larger problem in a more manageable way. Algorithms involve following a specific set of steps to reach a solution, while mechanical solutions rely on previously established procedures. Random search strategies involve trying various solutions without any clear direction or purpose.

Question 16

A "rule of thumb" that reduces the number of alternatives thinkers must consider is called a(n)
A) semantic differential.
B) algorithm.
C) heuristic.
D) insight solution.

Accepted Answer

A heuristic is a mental shortcut or a rule of thumb that helps simplify decision-making by reducing the number of alternatives that must be considered. A semantic differential is a scale used to measure attitudes and perceptions towards a concept or object. An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure used to solve a problem or complete a task. An insight solution is a sudden realization or understanding of a problem or situation without deliberate effort.

Question 17

Although Gabe knows the answer to the algebra problem, he cannot seem to work out the steps and reach his desired goal.So, Gabe tries working backward from the answer to the starting point.This strategy describes a
A) syllogism.
B) heuristic.
C) prototype.
D) dimension of the semantic differential.

Accepted Answer

Gabe is using a problem-solving heuristic by working backward from the solution to the starting point. A heuristic is a mental shortcut or "rule of thumb" used to solve problems or make decisions quickly and efficiently.

Question 18

Which of the following is another example of trial and error thinking that may work if the number of alternatives is small and involves trying possible solutions in a more or less arbitrary or unsystematic order?
A) pragmatics
B) an algorithm
C) a random search strategy
D) a semantic differential strategy

Accepted Answer

A random search strategy involves trying possible solutions in a more or less arbitrary or unsystematic order. This can work if the number of alternatives is small and the solution space is not too complex.

Question 19

A sudden mental reorganization of a problem that makes the solution obvious is called
A) inductive thought.
B) deductive thought.
C) insight.
D) intelligence.

Accepted Answer

The given definition describes insight, which is a sudden understanding or realization of a problem's solution without conscious effort or systematic strategies. Inductive and deductive thinking involve logically reasoning through a problem or situation, whereas intelligence refers to overall cognitive abilities.

Question 20

As you are driving to your friend's new apartment, you realize that you forgot the address of the apartment building.You know that the apartment is north of his old apartment.As you drive down the street where his old apartment is, you begin looking at the signs: Azalea Drive, Oak Circle, Peach Tree Street, and Sycamore Drive.You remember that the apartment is on a Drive, not a street or circle, which narrows down the possibilities and illustrates your use of
A) a heuristic.
B) an algorithm.
C) intuition.
D) rote learning.

Accepted Answer

The driver is using a heuristic - a mental shortcut - to narrow down the possibilities of where their friend's new apartment might be located. They are using the information they know about the location of the old apartment (that it is to the south), and then eliminating options based on the type of street name they are seeing on the signs. This is a quick and intuitive way to approach the problem, but it's not a guaranteed solution.

Quiz 8: Cognition, Language, and Creativity.

Which of the following differentiates insightful solutions from other forms of problem solving?

Regarding heuristics, which of the following statements is FALSE?

Problem-solving strategies that reduce the number of steps necessary to solve a problem are called

"Try to identify how the current state of affairs differs from the desired goal, and then find steps that will reduce the difference." This advice describes a

Regarding effective problem solving, which of the following is NOT a heuristic strategy?

Which of the following represents an insightful problem solution?

Insight tends to be based on

"Try working backward from the desired goal to the starting point or current state." This advice describes a

A student who takes a multiple-choice test by reading the stem of each item, looking for key words, and generating a tentative response before looking at the responses.This helps the student narrow down the possible answers.This student is using

Heuristics are problem-solving strategies which

Selective combination, selective comparison, and selective encoding are all related to

After working to solve a problem for three hours, Larry has just about "given up" until he suddenly realizes the "perfect" solution and wonders why he did not think of it sooner.Larry has just experienced

When problem solving, if you cannot reach a goal directly, try to identify an intermediate goal or subproblem that at least gets you closer.This advice best illustrates the use of a(n)

A "rule of thumb" that reduces the number of alternatives thinkers must consider is called a(n)

Although Gabe knows the answer to the algebra problem, he cannot seem to work out the steps and reach his desired goal.So, Gabe tries working backward from the answer to the starting point.This strategy describes a

Which of the following is another example of trial and error thinking that may work if the number of alternatives is small and involves trying possible solutions in a more or less arbitrary or unsystematic order?

A sudden mental reorganization of a problem that makes the solution obvious is called