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  • Problems vary from well-defined to ill-defined.
    • In a well-defined problem the information needed to solve it is available and clear.
    • With an ill-defined problem, the information required to solve the problem may be even less obvious.
  • Typically, a problem falls into one of the three categories.
    • Arrangement problems require the problem-solver to rearrange or recombine elements in a way that will satisfy a certain criterion.
    • In problems of inducing structure, a person must construct a new relationship among elements of the problem.
    • Transformation problems consist of an initial state and a method for changing the initial state into the goal state.
  • A crucial aspect of problem solving is the way in which we represent it to ourselves.
    • Our ability to represent a problem depends on the way a problem is framed.
  • There are several approaches to problem solving.
    • Trial-and-error problem solving involves a methodical step-by-step approach.
    • Complex problem solving often involves the use of heuristics, the cognitive shortcuts that can generate solutions.
    • In a means-end analysis, each step brings the problem-solver closer to a resolution.
  • Some approaches to generating possible solutions focus on sudden bursts of comprehension.
    • Even chimpanzees sometimes experience these "insights."
  • The final stage in problem solving is judging the adequacy of a solution.







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