Thinking and Problem Solving: Master Cognitive Processes and Decision-Making

Question 1

Which of the following is not considered a necessary step in problem solving?

Accepted Answer

Memorizing facts for a test

Answer

Defining the problem

Answer

Generating potential solutions

Answer

Evaluating the effectiveness of solutions

Question 2

According to the information-processing model of problem solving, what is the initial stage of the process?

Accepted Answer

Understanding and representing the problem

Answer

Developing and evaluating potential solutions

Answer

Implementing and monitoring the chosen solution

Answer

Reflecting on the effectiveness of the solution

Question 3

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of divergent thinking?

Accepted Answer

Generating a wide range of ideas and solutions

Answer

Focusing on a single, logical solution

Answer

Relying on established rules and patterns

Answer

Sticking to conventional approaches

Question 4

Which theory of problem solving proposes that individuals progress through a series of distinct stages?

Accepted Answer

Information-processing theory

Answer

Gestalt theory

Answer

Cognitive theory

Answer

Associative theory

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a commonly used heuristic in problem solving?

Accepted Answer

Algorithms

Answer

Means-end analysis

Answer

Trial and error

Answer

Insight

Question 6

Which cognitive process involves converting information into a different format?

Accepted Answer

Encoding

Answer

Decoding

Answer

Retrieval

Answer

Storage

Question 7

What term describes the set of beliefs and expectations that influence our thinking and problem solving?

Accepted Answer

Schema

Answer

Heuristic

Answer

Cognitive map

Answer

Mental model

Question 8

What is the primary purpose of using heuristics in problem solving?

Accepted Answer

To reduce the amount of cognitive effort required

Answer

To guarantee finding the best solution

Answer

To replace the need for logical thinking

Answer

To enhance creativity in problem solving

Question 9

How are problem-solving and decision-making skills used in everyday life, like managing money or settling disagreements?

Accepted Answer

Comparing investment choices to make the most money.

Answer

Looking at past data to guess what will happen in the future.

Answer

Remembering a list of dates and events from history.

Question 10

Which of the following is a characteristic of divergent thinking?

Accepted Answer

Producing multiple, creative ideas

Answer

Generating a single, correct answer

Answer

Focusing on logical reasoning

Answer

Following a linear path

Question 11

Which of the following is a type of reasoning that involves using generalizations to make predictions?

Accepted Answer

Inductive reasoning

Answer

Deductive reasoning

Answer

Analogical reasoning

Answer

Propositional reasoning

Question 12

Define 'problem space' and discuss how its characteristics, particularly size and structure, affect the difficulty of problem-solving.

Accepted Answer

Problem space encompasses all possible states and actions within a problem, influencing its complexity and solution path.

Answer

Problem space is unrelated to the physical environment and solely concerns the problem's internal structure.

Answer

Problem space is only relevant to simple puzzles and games, not real-world problem-solving.

Answer

The size of the problem space is irrelevant to its difficulty as long as a solution exists.

Question 13

Which stage is NOT included in the problem-solving process?

Accepted Answer

Answering the question

Answer

Problem definition

Answer

Goal formation

Answer

Method selection

Question 14

According to the information-processing model of thinking, what is the primary function of working memory?

Accepted Answer

Manipulating and transforming information

Answer

Storing short-term sensory information

Answer

Making permanent memories

Answer

Retrieving information from long-term memory

Question 15

Which characteristic is NOT associated with convergent thinking?

Accepted Answer

Generating many diverse solutions

Answer

Producing a single, correct answer

Answer

Focusing on finding a logical solution

Answer

Using a step-by-step approach

Question 16

What is the primary benefit of using heuristics in problem solving?

Accepted Answer

Reduced time and effort required

Answer

Guaranteed optimal solutions

Answer

Elimination of potential biases

Answer

Consideration of all relevant information

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT an example of a cognitive bias that can influence problem solving?

Accepted Answer

Means-end analysis

Answer

Confirmation bias

Answer

Representativeness heuristic

Answer

Framing effect

Question 18

According to Gestalt psychology, what is the principle of 'good continuation'?

Accepted Answer

We tend to perceive smooth, continuous lines

Answer

We tend to group similar elements together

Answer

We tend to perceive objects as having a definite shape

Answer

We tend to interpret ambiguous stimuli in a meaningful way

Question 19

Which of the following is a key characteristic of creative problem solving?

Accepted Answer

Embracing challenges and exploring new ideas

Answer

Adhering to traditional methods

Answer

Relying solely on logical reasoning

Answer

Avoiding ambiguity and uncertainty

Question 20

What is the term for the mental representation of a problem space?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive map

Answer

Heuristic

Answer

Algorithm

Answer

Schema

Question 21

What is the primary difference between explicit and implicit memory?

Accepted Answer

Explicit memory involves conscious recall, while implicit memory does not

Answer

Implicit memory involves conscious recall, while explicit memory does not

Answer

Explicit memory is used for short-term storage, while implicit memory is used for long-term storage

Answer

Implicit memory is used for short-term storage, while explicit memory is used for long-term storage

Question 22

Convergent thinking is characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Generating a single, optimal solution

Answer

Emphasizing flexibility and originality

Answer

Involving brainstorming and generating multiple ideas

Answer

Focusing on logical reasoning and analysis

Question 23

Mental set refers to the tendency to:

Accepted Answer

Approach problems in a habitual way, potentially limiting flexibility

Answer

Enter a state of heightened alertness that enhances cognitive abilities

Answer

Use a specific cognitive schema for organizing information

Answer

Maintain focus on a task despite distractions

Question 24

The Sternberg Triarchic Theory of Intelligence proposes that intelligence comprises three components. Which of the following is NOT one of them?

Accepted Answer

Emotional intelligence

Answer

Analytic intelligence

Answer

Creative intelligence

Answer

Practical intelligence

Question 25

Insight in problem-solving is characterized by:

Accepted Answer

A sudden and unexpected realization

Answer

A gradual and logical reasoning process

Answer

A combination of trial-and-error and analytical thinking

Answer

A state of extreme focus and concentration

Question 26

Decision-making under uncertainty refers to situations where:

Accepted Answer

Information is limited or incomplete

Answer

There is a clear and optimal choice

Answer

The consequences of each action are fully predictable

Answer

There is no risk involved

Question 27

Which of the following is an essential characteristic of divergent thinking?

Accepted Answer

Emphasizes creativity and originality

Answer

Generates a single, correct answer

Answer

Involves narrow and focused thinking

Answer

Relies solely on logical reasoning

Question 28

According to the Gestalt theory of problem solving, what is the crucial moment of 'insight' characterized by?

Accepted Answer

A sudden realization of the solution without apparent effort

Answer

A gradual process of trial and error

Answer

A logical deduction based solely on evidence

Answer

An intuitive guess that may or may not be correct

Question 29

Identify an example of a 'wicked problem'.

Accepted Answer

Addressing global climate change

Answer

Solving a quadratic equation

Answer

Designing a functional website

Answer

Building a new bridge

Question 30

Describe the role of metacognition in problem solving.

Accepted Answer

Reflecting on and monitoring one's own thinking process

Answer

Using logical reasoning to reach a solution

Answer

Storing and retrieving information from memory

Answer

Applying creativity and imagination to generate ideas

Question 31

What is a primary advantage of brainstorming in problem solving?

Accepted Answer

Generating a diverse range of ideas

Answer

Reducing the likelihood of groupthink

Answer

Ensuring that all ideas receive equal consideration

Answer

Speeding up the decision-making process

Question 32

Explain the importance of divergent thinking in problem-solving.

Accepted Answer

It enables the generation of multiple creative solutions

Answer

It promotes a logical and systematic approach to the problem

Answer

It minimizes the number of possible solutions

Answer

It encourages attention to fine details

Question 33

Which of the following is NOT a stage in the conventional problem-solving cycle?

Accepted Answer

Idea implementation

Answer

Problem identification

Answer

Solution evaluation and reflection

Answer

Idea generation

Question 34

According to the dual-process theory of reasoning, which system is responsible for automatic, fast thinking?

Accepted Answer

System 1

Answer

System 2

Answer

Heuristic system

Answer

Analytic system

Question 35

What is the term for the tendency to stick to a particular solution despite its ineffectiveness?

Accepted Answer

Mental set

Answer

Functional fixedness

Answer

Cognitive rigidity

Answer

Confirmation bias

Question 36

Which of the following is NOT a key step in the problem-solving process?

Accepted Answer

Implementation

Answer

Problem representation

Answer

Strategy selection

Answer

Evaluation

Question 37

According to the Gestalt theory, which factor is considered crucial for gaining sudden insights into a problem?

Accepted Answer

Perceptual reorganization

Answer

Experience

Answer

Cognitive flexibility

Answer

Logical analysis

Question 38

Which problem-solving style is characterized by rapid decision-making, often without in-depth analysis of all available information?

Accepted Answer

Impulsive

Answer

Reflective

Answer

Systematic

Answer

Intuitive

Question 39

According to the Gestalt theory of problem solving, what is a key factor in solving problems effectively?

Accepted Answer

Insight

Answer

Trial and error

Answer

Methodical analysis

Answer

Blind guessing

Question 40

Which cognitive bias refers to the tendency to overestimate the likelihood of events that are easy to recall?

Accepted Answer

Availability heuristic

Answer

Hindsight bias

Answer

Confirmation bias

Answer

Optimism bias

Question 41

Which characteristic is typically associated with expert problem solvers?

Accepted Answer

Specialized knowledge in the problem domain

Answer

Over-reliance on trial and error

Answer

Inability to tolerate ambiguity

Answer

Susceptibility to irrelevant information

Question 42

What is the primary role of metacognition in problem solving?

Accepted Answer

It enables individuals to oversee and regulate their own thinking processes.

Answer

It provides a comprehensive set of strategies for solving any problem.

Answer

It offers a guarantee of finding the optimal solution in every case.

Question 43

Which of the following best exemplifies a heuristic approach?

Accepted Answer

Using a rule of thumb

Answer

Decomposing a problem into manageable parts

Answer

Conducting a thorough examination of all available data

Question 44

What is the fundamental distinction between deductive and inductive reasoning?

Accepted Answer

Deductive reasoning proceeds from general principles to specific conclusions, while inductive reasoning infers general principles from specific observations.

Answer

Deductive reasoning is inherently more reliable than inductive reasoning.

Question 45

What is the significance of creativity in problem solving?

Accepted Answer

It facilitates the generation of original and innovative solutions.

Answer

It is solely relevant to artistic or scientific problems.

Answer

It ensures that individuals will invariably find the correct solution.

Question 46

Which of the following is an advantage of using a structured problem-solving approach?

Accepted Answer

It helps to minimize errors and omissions.

Answer

It is only applicable to highly complex problems.

Answer

It eliminates the need for creativity.

Answer

It guarantees that the optimal solution will be found.

Question 47

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of divergent thinking?

Accepted Answer

Produces a single, correct answer

Answer

Generates multiple, creative ideas

Answer

Involves flexible thinking

Answer

Encourages risk-taking

Question 48

According to Sternberg's Triarchic Theory of Intelligence, which type of intelligence involves the ability to adapt to changing environments?

Accepted Answer

Contextual

Answer

Practical

Answer

Analytical

Answer

Creative

Question 49

Which of the following problem-solving strategies involves breaking down a problem into smaller, more manageable parts?

Accepted Answer

Means-ends analysis

Answer

Insight

Answer

Trial and error

Answer

Analogy

Question 50

Who developed the concept of 'functional fixedness'?

Accepted Answer

Karl Duncker

Answer

Lev Vygotsky

Answer

Jean Piaget

Answer

Jerome Bruner

Question 51

Which of the following is a barrier to effective problem solving?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive biases

Answer

Relevant prior knowledge

Answer

Sufficient motivation

Question 52

What is the term for the sudden insight or 'aha' moment that can occur during problem solving?

Accepted Answer

Insight

Answer

Deduction

Answer

Heuristic

Answer

Intuition

Question 53

According to Piaget's theory of cognitive development, at what stage do children begin to develop formal operational thinking?

Accepted Answer

Adolescence

Answer

Concrete operations

Answer

Infancy

Answer

Sensorimotor

Question 54

Which of the following is NOT a factor that influences problem-solving ability?

Accepted Answer

Age

Answer

Knowledge and experience

Answer

Cognitive style

Answer

Intelligence

Question 55

What is the main goal of inductive reasoning?

Accepted Answer

To draw general conclusions from specific observations

Answer

To test hypotheses

Answer

To analyze arguments

Question 56

Which of the following is a characteristic of creative thinking?

Accepted Answer

Generates novel and original ideas

Answer

Produces only one possible solution

Answer

Relies solely on past experiences

Answer

Follows a rigid set of rules