Cognition and Instruction
Exam 2 Objectives
Chapters 8 & 9, class notes (ACT) and discussions
1. Describe typical problems people demonstrate when trying to solve problems Functional Fixedness: This term refers to the tendency to view problems only in their customary manner. Functional fixedness prevents people from fully seeing all of the different options that might be available to find a solution. Assumptions: When dealing with a problem, people often make assumptions about the constraints and obstacles that prevent certain solutions. Mental Set: Another common problem-solving obstacle is known as a mental set, which is the tendency people have to only use solutions that have worked in the past rather than looking for alternative ideas. A mental set can often work as a heuristic, making it a useful problem-solving tool. However, mental sets can also lead to inflexibility, making it more difficult to find effective solutions.
2. Describe distinctions between Domain-Free and Domain-Specific problem solving Strategies. Domain-Free strategies are general problem-solving heuristics that apply across all types of problems working backwards, means ends analysis, and pattern matching. They are useful to problem solvers because of their wide applicability. Research indicates they are weak strategies that are of some use in helping solve problems, but the less structure the problem has, the less efficient they are. They are necessary to solve problems, but not sufficient to solve problems. And unlike domain-specific strategies, there is no difference between expert and novice problem solvers in their ability to use them. Domain-specific strategies remain under conscious control. They are the procedural knowledge associated with a domain. Research indicates that solving problems in a domain relies on cognitive operations that are specific to that domain. They do not transfer from one content area to another.
3. Describe distinctions between
Chapters 8 & 9, class notes (ACT) and discussions
1. Describe typical problems people demonstrate when trying to solve problems Functional Fixedness: This term refers to the tendency to view problems only in their customary manner. Functional fixedness prevents people from fully seeing all of the different options that might be available to find a solution. Assumptions: When dealing with a problem, people often make assumptions about the constraints and obstacles that prevent certain solutions. Mental Set: Another common problem-solving obstacle is known as a mental set, which is the tendency people have to only use solutions that have worked in the past rather than looking for alternative ideas. A mental set can often work as a heuristic, making it a useful problem-solving tool. However, mental sets can also lead to inflexibility, making it more difficult to find effective solutions.
2. Describe distinctions between Domain-Free and Domain-Specific problem solving Strategies. Domain-Free strategies are general problem-solving heuristics that apply across all types of problems working backwards, means ends analysis, and pattern matching. They are useful to problem solvers because of their wide applicability. Research indicates they are weak strategies that are of some use in helping solve problems, but the less structure the problem has, the less efficient they are. They are necessary to solve problems, but not sufficient to solve problems. And unlike domain-specific strategies, there is no difference between expert and novice problem solvers in their ability to use them. Domain-specific strategies remain under conscious control. They are the procedural knowledge associated with a domain. Research indicates that solving problems in a domain relies on cognitive operations that are specific to that domain. They do not transfer from one content area to another.
3. Describe distinctions between