Problem-solving and Creativity

Problem Solving

- refers to cognitive processing directed at achieving a global for which the problem
solver does not initially know a solution method.

Parts of Problem- Solving

•Current State- starting point of the problem-solving process.

•Block/Obstacles- something that stands in the way of achieving your desired goal.

•Desired Goal- this is the outcome or result your aim to achieve through problem-
solving.

Four Major Elements

1. Cognitive- problem-solving occurs within the problem solver's cognitive system and
can only be inferred indirectly from the problem solver's behavior.

2. Process- problem-solving involves mental computations in which an operation is

3. Directed- problem solving is aimed at achieving goal.

4. Personal- problem solving depends on the existing knowledge of the problem solver
so that what is a problem for one problem solver may not be a problem for someone
who already know a solution method.

Types of Problem Solving

- Robertson describe a well-defined problem as one that "provide all the information
require to solve it".

Ex. Problem: Calculate the area of a rectangular garden given its length and width.

2. Ill-defined - where the initial state of the problem is given but what the goal state
looks like is not provided.

Ex. Problem: Improve customer satisfaction with our product.

Approaches to Problem Solving

1. Behaviorist Approach - a process that develop through positive and negative

2. Gestaltist Approach- how people see and understand the world as a whole, not just
as individual part.

Problem Solving Cycle

• Problem solving is a complex process. It is not a single skill but it overlaps the thinking
skills, later thinking, logical thinking, synthesis, analysis, evaluation, sequencing, decision
making, research, and prediction. Metacognition and creativity also interplays in this
process. The metacognitive and cognitive skills are proposed to undertake problem
solving.

Bransford and Stein's IDEAL Model explains the process of problem solving.

Step 1: Identify the problem and opportunities

- Determining the cause of the problem is necessary to pinpoint major causes to prioritize
in resolving the problem.

-When problem is treated as opportunities the result is often an unexpected solution

Step 2: Define goals

- Carefully define your goals in a problem situation

- General Problem but different goals. Different goals reflect differences in how people
understand the problem.

- Different goals can lead people to explore very different strategies for solving a problem.

Step 3: Explore possible strategies

• Procedural knowledge- alternative ways to solve he problem, ascertain that the chosen
alternative fits the goal.

- Soe strategies are general, while some are specific.

There are two main categories, heuristic and algorithm.

• Heuristic- mental shortcut for solving a problem

three general problem solving heuristics:

1. Random Trial and Error - randomly selecting a legal move and applying, repeating the
process until the goal state is reached.

2. Hill Climbing- Strategy that brings the problem solver closer to the goal state.

3. Means-ends analysis- creating goals and seeking moves. If a goal cannot be directly
accomplished a sub-goal is created to remove obstacles.

• Algorithm - detailed series of steps in solving a problem.

Step 4: Anticipate outcomes and act.

• Anticipating outcomes and acting means thinking about what might happen as a result
of your actions before you actually do them, and then taking action based on that thinking.

When you anticipate outcomes, you're trying to predict what might happen if you do
something. It's like guessing what the result or consequence of your action might be. This
helps you have an idea of what to expect and make better decisions.

Step 5: Look back and learn.

• Look back and learn is the last step in problem-solving where you reflect on your actions
and experiences, and gain insights and lessons from them.

When you look back, you review what you did or the decisions you made in a particular
situation. It involves examining the steps you took, the choices you made, and the
outcomes that resulted from those actions or decisions.
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Barriers to Problem Solving

What is a barriers?

•Barriers are things that get in the way or make it difficult to do something.

Here are some common barriers:

1. Mental set: The situation when the person becomes fixated on the use of a strategy that
previously produced the right solution, but in the new situation it is not the application. In
metacognitive thinking, this is conditional knowledge. This happens when you get stuck
using a strategy that worked before but doesn't work in a new situation.

2. Functional fixedness: This is a phenomenon when individuals fail to recognize that

3. Failure to distinguish relevant and irrelevant information: Sometimes, it's hard to tell
which information is important for solving a problem. Focusing on irrelevant information
can lead to the wrong solution.

Creativity in Problem Solving

• Creativity is essential in problem solving. It involves thinking outside the box and coming
up with new ideas or approaches.

Varied theories explain how creativity is developed (Kozbelt et al.,2012).

Developmental Theory

- Advocates that creativity develops over time.

Cognitive theory of creativity

- States that ideational thought processes are foundational to creative persons and
Accomplishments.
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Stage and Componential process of creativity

- point out that creative expression proceeds through a series of stages or components.

One of the first models of creativity was advanced by Guilford (1967)

- He claimed that creativity is the result of several processes: Fluency, Flexibility,

Fluency

Is defined as the ability to produce a great number of ideas or problem solutions in a short
period.

Flexibility

Ability to simultaneously propose a variety of approaches to a specific problem.

Originality

Ability to produce new, original ideas, as well as products.

Elaboration

Ability to systematized and organize the details of an idea in one’s head and carry it out.

Creative Process

Follows certain stages. It includes: Preparation, Incubation, Illumination, and Verification.

Preparation

initial stage of the creative process

Incubation

Period where you unconsciously continues to work on the idea, but there’s no active
attempt to solve the problem.

Illumination

A sudden idea pops out in your mind.

Verification

Final stage of the creative process, involves working with the idea into a form that can be
tested and once proven it could be communicated with others.
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Transfer of learning in problem solving and creativity

Transfer of learning are categorize into the following:

1. Near transfer and Far transfer

2. Positive and Negative Transfer

3. Vertical Transfer and Lateral Transfer

Members:

Crishalou Español

Rea Dragon

Via Grace Espinosa

Elloise Gabutan

Instructor:

Mrs. Gee Rianne Ranario