Problem+Solving!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


 * __ Problem Solving __**

Index

1. Overview 2. Deductive Reasoning 3. Inductive Reasoning 4. Improving Problem Solving 5. Bibliography 6.Synapsis

__ Overview __

The term //problem-solving// refers to the mental process that people go through to discover, analyze and solve problems. This involves all of the steps in the problem process, including the discovery of the problem, the decision to tackle the issue, understanding the problem, researching the available options and taking actions to achieve your goals.

A //problem space// is defined as the elements that make up a problem. The elements include the initial state—the incomplete information or unsatisfactory conditions the person starts with; the goal state—the set of information or state the person wishes to achieve; and the set of operations—the steps the person takes to move from the initial state to the goal state. Problems can range in difficulty, and the type of problem will determine the certain approach that is needed. For instance, a //well-defined problem// refers to a problem in which the initial state, goal state, and operations are all clearly specified. Well-defined problems are best solved with algorithms, which are step by step procedures that always provide the correct answer for a particular type of problem. On the other hand, an //ill-defined problem// refers to a problem in which the initial state, goal state, and or operations may be unclear and vaguely specified. Heuristics, which are strategies or “rules of thumb,” are often used to solve these types of problems and although they are a shortcut to solving problems, it is more likely that a mistake would be made with this technique.

__Deductive Reasoning __ Deductive Reasoning is a form of thinking in which one draws a conclusion that is intended to follow logically from two or more statements or premises. Deductive reasoning works from the more general to the more specific—it can be referred to as a "top-down" approach. Deductive Reasoning Process:

Knowledge can interfere with the deductive reasoning process—the //belief-bias effect// is defined as the tendency for people to judge as valid those conclusions for which they can construct a reasonable real-world model and as invalid those for which they cannot. It was found that people are better able to reason when they are applying real world knowledge than when they are performing an abstract reasoning task.

__Inductive Reasoning __ Inductive Reasoning is a form of reasoning in which a conclusion is made about the probability of some state of affairs, based on the available evidence and past experience. An example of this type of reasoning is deciding that a certain odor in the air indicates that someone is making popcorn. In other words, inductive reasoning moves from specific observations to broader generalizations and theories. Informally, we sometimes call this a "bottom up" approach. Inductive Reasoning Process

__Improving Problem Solving __ One vital step for improving problem solving is to break up the problem into smaller and manageable tasks so the complexity is not overwhelming. Applying past solutions to current problems is another method which proves to be useful; this is also known as analogical problem solving. Approaching a problem with a different mindset is another helpful technique. This can help avoid //functional fixedness//, which is defined as a mental block that adversely affects problem solving by inhibiting the perception of a new function for an object that was previously associated with some other purpose. This means that if you are too rigid in your approach to a problem, it could be detrimental to your ability to solve the problem.

__Synapsis __

Cognitive Psychology: Psychology that has to do with acquiring, processing, and storing of information

Games that are used for Children: Memory, Connect Four, Guess What?

These games are good for kids because they improve association, recollection as well as fururiistic problem solving skills. Ex: Connect Four teaches them how to block the opponent from winning while making themselelf look for a way o get four in a row. Guess What improves association is describing something and having the child need to guess what t is with as little information as possible.

Video:

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Class Activity:

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Card Activity:


 * 1) Give everyone a card and have it faced down ask people to not look at them
 * 2) Only commands of GO and STOP for 2-3 rounds, see how quickly they can do it
 * 3) Numerical order 2-king (regardless of suits)
 * 4) Between each round let them talk for 30 seconds on how to become more efficient
 * 5) Once they are done collaborating change which card people have
 * 6) Problem-solving and decision-making skills, but also an emphasis on systems and creativity.

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Key Terms:


 * Problem space **- general area containing the problem that is comprised of three parts: An initial state, a goal state, and a set of operations.‍

**<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Initial state ** - the problem


 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 13px;">Goal state **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 13px;"> - the desired fix outcome; to get from an initial state to a goal state (problem to solution), you must follow a set of operations.‍


 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 13px;">Heuristics **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 13px;"> - "rules of thumb" - experience-based techniques for solving problems.


 * <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">Deductive Reasoning || <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">Inductive Reasoning  ||
 * given a general conclusion or principle

one determines specific consequences or applications || given a specific hypothesis or observation one combines observation and prior knowledge to reach a general conclusion ||

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Personal Activity: Can you connect all the dots in the pattern by drawing four straight, connected lines without lifting your pencil form the paper?

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__<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Bibliography __ //<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Deduction & induction //<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">. (n.d.). Retrieved from [] <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Gerrig, R., & Zimbardo, P. (2005). //Psychology and life//. (17th ed., pp. 265-272). Allyn & Bacon, Incorporated. <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Cherry, K. (n.d.). //Problem solving//. Retrieved from []