Question 1

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 strategies or approaches that simplify problem solving. They reduce the number of steps necessary to solve a problem by providing a general guideline or shortcut, unlike algorithms which are step-by-step procedures that guarantee a solution but may not be the most efficient path.

Question 2

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 a period of struggle is an example of insight. Insight is a type of cognitive process where the solution to a problem seems to come suddenly and unexpectedly, rather than through step-by-step logical analysis.

Question 3

"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 describes a heuristic, which is a strategy or method used to find a solution or make a decision. Working backward from the goal is a common problem-solving heuristic.

Question 4

According to Psychologist Janet Davidson, the three abilities involved in insight are
A)selective attention, convergent thinking, and divergent thinking.
B)cognitive assimilation, selective attention, and selective encoding.
C)selective attention, selective comparison, and convergent thinking.
D)selective encoding, selective combination, and selective comparison.

Accepted Answer

Davidson identifies the three abilities involved in insight as selective encoding, selective combination, and selective comparison. These processes help individuals to focus on relevant information, combine it in novel ways, and compare it to existing knowledge to generate insights.

Question 5

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

Heuristics are mental shortcuts or "rules of thumb" that simplify decision making by reducing the number of alternatives to consider, making the process faster and more efficient.

Question 6

Amateurs become accomplished experts in their fields when they are able to base their solutions on
A)trial-and-error methods.
B)rote learning.
C)understanding.
D)the use of algorithms.

Accepted Answer

Amateurs become experts by developing a deep understanding of their field, which allows them to solve problems based on principles and concepts rather than relying solely on trial-and-error, rote learning, or fixed algorithms. Understanding enables flexibility and innovation in problem-solving.

Question 7

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

Working backward from the answer to the starting point is a problem-solving strategy known as a heuristic, which is a general approach used to make the process of finding a solution more manageable.

Question 8

A student 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

This student is using a heuristic, which is a mental shortcut or rule of thumb that helps simplify decision making or problem-solving. Generating a tentative response before looking at the options is a strategy to reduce the complexity of the choice and quickly narrow down the possible answers, rather than systematically evaluating every possible option (which would be more akin to an algorithmic approach).

Question 9

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 more about general strategies or shortcuts used to solve problems quickly and with minimal effort, rather than learned sets of rules that always lead to a correct solution. They are often based on intuition or experience rather than formal rules.

Question 10

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

A heuristic is a mental shortcut that allows people to solve problems and make judgments quickly and efficiently. In this scenario, using the type of road (Drive) to narrow down the possibilities is an example of using a heuristic to reduce the number of options and make a decision more quickly.

Question 11

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 illustrates the use of a heuristic, which is a rule-of-thumb or strategy that guides problem solving but doesn't guarantee an optimal solution. Identifying intermediate goals or subproblems is a common heuristic approach to make a complex problem more manageable.

Question 12

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, which aligns with the description of trial and error thinking when the number of alternatives is small.

Question 13

A random search strategy involves
A)the use of insight and pragmatics.
B)trying possible solutions to a problem in a more or less arbitrary order.
C)increasing the number of possible solutions to be tried.
D)correctly stating the requirements for success but not in enough detail for further action.

Accepted Answer

A random search strategy, by definition, involves trying out possible solutions to a problem in a somewhat arbitrary or random order, without following a specific logical sequence or set of rules.

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

Insight involves reorganizing the problem to see it in a new way, leading to a sudden realization or solution.

Question 15

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 used a random search strategy by trying one key after another without a specific plan or insight, hoping to find the right one by chance.

Question 16

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 first 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 or rule of thumb that helps simplify decision making. By eliminating keys that were too small and focusing on keys with a specific symbol, she narrowed down her choices in a way that was quicker than trying every key (which would be an algorithm).

Question 17

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

These processes are associated with the insight problem-solving approach, where a sudden realization of a problem's solution occurs, rather than through step-by-step analysis typical of algorithmic solutions or convergent thinking.

Question 18

Heuristics are problem-solving strategies that
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 mental shortcuts that help with the thinking processes in problem-solving. They do not guarantee success like an algorithm would, but they significantly reduce the number of alternatives by eliminating options that are unlikely to lead to the solution, making the problem-solving process faster and more efficient.

Question 19

"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 heuristic, which is a simple, efficient rule, strategy, or mental shortcut that helps people make decisions or solve problems more easily. Heuristics are often used when facing complex problems or incomplete information and aim to produce a good enough solution within a reasonable time frame.

Question 20

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

Insight refers to the sudden realization or understanding of the solution to a problem, often occurring unexpectedly after a period of contemplation. It is characterized by a reorganization of one's perception of a problem, leading to an immediate and clear solution.

Quiz 8: Cognition, Language, and Creativity

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

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

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

According to Psychologist Janet Davidson, the three abilities involved in insight are

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

Amateurs become accomplished experts in their fields when they are able to base their solutions on

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 student 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

Regarding heuristics, which of the following statements is FALSE?

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)

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 random search strategy involves

Insight tends to be based on

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

Heuristics are problem-solving strategies that

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