Essay on The Psychology of Problem Solving

Words: 1050
Pages: 5
Open Document
Where there is a problem there is a solution. No matter how complicated nor how elusive the solution is one is always there. Problems are the basis of jobs and careers: restaurants for hunger, movies and video games for boredom, news for information etc. However, with basic problems that have a set solution there are a variety of ways to solve it.

Working backwards, although slightly different, is a widely used and very effective way of solving problems. 1 (Referring to page "Problem I") Most people would look at this problem and would loathe solving it because it would involve creating a long complicated algebraic problem. Using the method of working backwards even a child who hasn't learned algebra can solve the same problem and …show more content…
Of course the best choice is the one that is most likely to work, however if it fails trial and error takes over. Doing the problem is the act of applying the solution to see if the problem is solved. Finally evaluating the results is the act of looking back to see it the problem has been solved or the desired effect has been reached.

Sometimes we can't solve a problem because we are frustrated about its difficulty, or perhaps we have never solved a problem like this before. Two obstacles that can get in our way are known as functional fixedness and mental set. Functional fixedness is the habit to think of an object as only having one use. For example one may have a screw driver and need a lever. A screw driver's intended use is to drive screws into wood, however it can also be used to pry things as a lever. Another obstacle in problem solving is known as mental set. A mental set is the tendency to solve problems in the same way despite the fact that the problem may be different than the last. "For example, a child may enter a store by pushing a door open. Every time they come to a door after that, the child pushes the door expecting it to open even though many doors only open by pulling. This child has a mental set for opening doors."

When a problem becomes so intense and so frustrating one may have to walk away for a moment or even a day. Although you may think you've stop thinking about a problem, cognitively your brain continues to
Show More

Related Documents: Essay on The Psychology of Problem Solving

Academic Study of Problem Solving and Thinking Related to Everyday Life Essay

Academic study of problem solving and thinking related to everyday life Every day individuals are faced with many different problems for example deciding what to wear, finding a suitable place to park your car or even completing an assignment. Whatever the problem is, ‘problem solving is defined as any goal-directed sequence of cognitive operations’, as suggested by Anderson (1980, p.257). There has been a vast amount of research on human problem solving which has provided a better understanding…

Words 2167 - Pages 9

Essay about Educational Psych Assign 1

James Flowers Professor Viviona Educational Psychology 1/22/2015 Compare and Contrast Piaget’s VS. Vygotsky Two of the most recognized cognitive psychologists, are Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky, they developed theories based on cognitive development and learning among children and adolescents. Both theorist share some similarities but differences do exist amongst them in educational settings. Methods and approaches to teaching have been greatly influenced by the research of Piaget and Vygotsky…

Words 723 - Pages 3

Appreciative Inquiry In College Essay

Graduation Thesis Applying principles of Appreciative Inquiry while taking into consideration the level of experience on Korean college students to improve technical performance in the 100m sprints Seoul National University B.A, Department of Psychology Joo Kyung Marina Lim (임주경) 2010-10582 ABSTRACT An experiment to determine the effectiveness of applications of Appreciative Inquiry on sport was conducted on 48 participants divided into two groups depending on the length of their experience…

Words 2235 - Pages 9

Essay about Psychology Notes

psChapter 1: An Introduction to Psychology Study of Psychology • What do psychologists study these days? – Normal behavior: causes and mechanisms – Abnormal behavior and mental illness • Goals of modern psychology – Study the “essentials of behavior and mind” -Why do people act, think, and feel the way they do? – Develop a knowledge base about human and animal behavior Can Psychology Be Truly Scientific? • Human behavior difficult to predict precisely – However: Governed by general principles – Similar…

Words 934 - Pages 4

Personal Narrative: My Interest In Criminal Justice

in puzzle solving and games reflects the interest. She drew a connection between her passion for law and passion for solving puzzles and connecting stories. It helps to learn how to think outside of the box and view situations differently than she would have before. The puzzle-solving is her favorite aspect. Laws, why things happen the way they do, why people do what they do - it’s all very fascinating. It related back to her original major (before changing it years later) in psychology. The only…

Words 762 - Pages 4

Ap Psychology Strengths

List of Strengths: 1. Solving Problem 2 - "Saving Problems" Leading Others - 3. Acting on Your Own Initiative 4. Managing Change - 5. Technology Strength 1. – Solving Problems After completing the Strengths Assessment (Strengths Assessment, 2024), it is evident that problem-solving is one of my primary strengths. This proficiency supports me in identifying, devising solutions, and implementing them effectively, crucial for my career objectives such as further studies for psychology industry registration…

Words 2419 - Pages 10

Consumer Traits And Behaviors Presentation Essay

Psychological factors of marketing communications can be divided into 4 categories: motivation, perception, learning as well as beliefs and attitudes. 2. The effect of consumer behavior on human psychology is the foundation of and how it affects consumer behavior is the foundation of marketing communication. Human psychology of consumer behavior tries to answer what do consumers need? Do consumers think they really needs or just think they need those things? What is the deciding factor that makes them to take…

Words 827 - Pages 4

Cognitive Themes For Education Essay

• Learning strategies and the ability to reflect on what was learned (to think critically) may be even more important! - Motivation and Beliefs Are Integral to Cognition o Early Cognitive Research Stressed Processes of:  Memory  Thinking  Problem-Solving  And their applications to instruction o Newer Conceptions of Cognitive Research:  Learner’s motivation  Belief systems o Humans constantly judge their own performance and compare it to desired outcomes  These judgments help decide whether…

Words 425 - Pages 2

Biological Perspectives

Biological Perspectives: a Biological Perspective. The biological perspective in psychology emphasizes the role of biological processes, such as genetics, neurochemistry, and the nervous system, in shaping behavior and mental processes. It posits that behaviors, thoughts, and emotions can be understood through examining the structure and function of the brain and nervous system, as well as the influence of genetics and evolutionary factors. This perspective seeks to uncover how physiological factors…

Words 696 - Pages 3

Psycholoy, Chapter 1 notes Essay

Chapter 1: What is psychology? Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Psychology seeks to: Describe Explain Predict Control behavior and mental processes A theory allows you to Propose reasons for relationships Derive explanations Make predictions A theory is a way to explain and predict behaviors. What do psychologists do? Research Pure research: conducted for interest/research sake. Difficult to get funding for. Applied research: find an answer…

Words 787 - Pages 4