Thinking and Problem-Solving: Master Cognitive Processes for Success

Question 1

What term describes a mental representation of a situation or problem?

Accepted Answer

Mental model

Answer

Schema

Answer

Concept

Answer

Hypothesis

Question 2

Which decision-making approach involves limited information and uncertainty?

Accepted Answer

Bounded rationality

Answer

Rational decision-making

Answer

Intuitive decision-making

Answer

Heuristics

Question 3

What is the primary function of heuristics in problem-solving?

Accepted Answer

Reducing cognitive load

Answer

Generating innovative solutions

Answer

Guaranteeing optimal solutions

Answer

Eliminating biases

Question 4

What is the main objective of divergent thinking in problem-solving?

Accepted Answer

Generating multiple potential solutions

Answer

Assessing the solutions' quality

Answer

Selecting and implementing the optimal solution

Answer

Overcoming cognitive biases

Question 5

Which characteristic is common among expert problem-solvers?

Accepted Answer

Deep knowledge in their field

Answer

Excessive reliance on heuristics

Answer

Exceptional creativity

Answer

Hesitance to seek external assistance

Question 6

What is the fundamental distinction between algorithms and heuristics in problem-solving?

Accepted Answer

Algorithms guarantee a solution, while heuristics do not.

Answer

Heuristics are more efficient than algorithms.

Answer

Algorithms are only applicable to basic problems, whereas heuristics can handle complex ones.

Answer

Heuristics facilitate creative solutions more effectively than algorithms.

Question 7

What is the central aim of metacognition in problem-solving?

Accepted Answer

Monitoring and self-regulating one's cognitive processes

Answer

Generating novel ideas

Answer

Evaluating the validity of solutions

Answer

Overcoming cognitive biases

Question 8

In the Information Processing Model, which component is responsible for storing long-term memories?

Accepted Answer

Long-term memory

Answer

Sensory register

Answer

Short-term memory

Answer

Working memory

Question 9

Which of the following is a characteristic of divergent thinking?

Accepted Answer

Generating multiple ideas

Answer

Focusing on a single solution

Answer

Using only logical reasoning

Answer

Avoiding exploration of alternatives

Question 10

The tendency to seek information that supports our existing beliefs is called:

Accepted Answer

Confirmation bias

Answer

Hindsight bias

Answer

Availability heuristic

Answer

Anchoring effect

Question 11

The capacity to form mental images and manipulate them is known as:

Accepted Answer

Mental imagery

Answer

Cognitive flexibility

Answer

Working memory

Answer

Metacognition

Question 12

Which of the following is an advantage of using heuristics in problem-solving?

Accepted Answer

Speed and efficiency

Answer

Absolute accuracy

Answer

Uniquely creative solutions

Answer

Guaranteed optimal solutions

Question 13

Functional fixedness refers to the inability to view a problem from multiple perspectives.

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 14

A key indicator of creative problem-solving is:

Accepted Answer

Challenging conventional thinking

Answer

Strictly adhering to established rules

Answer

Focusing solely on practical solutions

Answer

Minimizing risk-taking

Question 15

Metacognition involves monitoring and controlling one's thoughts and actions.

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 16

Define 'insight' in problem-solving and explain the cognitive processes involved. Provide a real-world example to illustrate your explanation.

Accepted Answer

Insight is a sudden realization or solution to a problem, involving incubation, restructuring, and illumination.

Answer

Insight is a process of trial and error, using different strategies until a solution is found.

Question 17

Which of the following is a valid syllogism? Explain the difference between a valid and an invalid syllogism.

Accepted Answer

All mammals are warm-blooded. Whales are mammals. Therefore, whales are warm-blooded.

Accepted Answer

No reptiles have fur. Snakes are reptiles. Therefore, snakes do not have fur.

Answer

All birds have feathers. Ostriches have feathers. Therefore, ostriches can fly.

Answer

Some fruits are sweet. Apples are fruits. Therefore, all apples are sweet.

Question 18

Distinctive of divergent thinking is its emphasis on:

Accepted Answer

Generating a range of novel and unconventional solutions

Answer

Applying a rigid, step-by-step approach

Answer

Narrowing down to a single, optimal solution

Answer

Relying exclusively on rational reasoning

Question 19

According to Gestalt psychology, problem-solving entails the process of:

Accepted Answer

Perceptually organizing elements into meaningful structures

Answer

Repeating actions randomly to find solutions

Answer

Decomposing problems into manageable parts

Question 20

A significant obstacle to effective problem-solving is:

Accepted Answer

Functional fixedness

Answer

Short-term memory

Answer

Cognitive flexibility

Answer

Insightful understanding

Question 21

The process of evaluating and selecting a solution from a set of options is known as:

Accepted Answer

Decision-making

Answer

Reasoning

Answer

Problem-solving

Answer

Critical thinking

Question 22

The process of experimenting with different solutions to a problem is known as:

Accepted Answer

Trial and error

Answer

Heuristic reasoning

Answer

Algorithm

Answer

Means-end analysis

Question 23

Which of the following is a metacognitive strategy employed in effective problem-solving?

Accepted Answer

Monitoring one's progress and adjusting strategies as needed

Answer

Relying solely on trial and error

Answer

Breaking down the problem into smaller, manageable parts

Answer

Generating multiple potential solutions

Question 24

A cognitive bias that can hinder problem-solving by leading individuals to seek information that confirms their existing beliefs is:

Accepted Answer

Confirmation bias

Answer

Incubation

Answer

Metacognition

Answer

Insight

Question 25

The ability to apply knowledge and skills gained in one problem-solving situation to different, yet related situations is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Problem-solving transfer

Answer

Divergent thinking

Answer

Metacognition

Answer

Cognitive scaffolding