Problem Solving and Cognition Flashcards

A project team is struggling to find a novel solution to a recurring technical issue. They keep applying the same troubleshooting steps that have worked for similar, but not identical, problems in the past, without success. This is a classic example of which cognitive barrier to problem-solving?

Answer: Mental Set

Mental set is the tendency to approach problems in a familiar way, using strategies that have been successful before. While often efficient, it can hinder problem-solving when a new approach is needed, as the team is experiencing by repeatedly using old methods on a new problem. Functional fixedness relates to objects, confirmation bias to seeking agreeable information, and availability heuristic to relying on easily recalled examples.

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the concept of 'functional fixedness' in a workplace setting?

Answer: An engineer can only think of using a screwdriver to tighten a screw and doesn't consider using a coin when a screwdriver is unavailable.

Functional fixedness is a cognitive bias that limits a person to using an object only in the way it is traditionally used. The engineer's inability to see an alternative use for the coin beyond its primary function as currency is a direct example of this bias hindering problem-solving.

The Caliper Assessment's cognitive section primarily measures abstract reasoning ability. This ability is crucial for which aspect of problem-solving?

Answer: Understanding complex issues by identifying logical relationships and patterns.

The Caliper Profile's cognitive ability section assesses abstract reasoning, which is the potential to solve problems and understand the logical relationships among concepts. High abstract reasoning ability enables individuals to grasp complex issues, a core component of effective problem-solving.

A manager is leading a brainstorming session to generate new product ideas. She encourages the team to produce as many ideas as possible, no matter how unconventional, and refrains from any criticism or evaluation. Which type of thinking is she promoting?

Answer: Divergent Thinking

Divergent thinking is the process of generating multiple creative ideas and possible solutions to a problem in a free-flowing manner. The manager's approach of encouraging a high quantity of un-evaluated, unconventional ideas is the definition of fostering divergent thinking.

After a successful divergent thinking session where many potential solutions to a logistical problem were generated, what is the most logical next step in the problem-solving process?

Answer: Engage in convergent thinking to analyze, evaluate, and select the most viable solution.

Problem-solving often involves cycles of divergent and convergent thinking. After generating a wide range of ideas (divergence), the next step is to analyze, compare, and narrow down those options to find the single best solution, which is the process of convergent thinking.

A cognitive shortcut, or 'rule of thumb,' that the brain uses to make decisions and solve problems more quickly and efficiently is known as a(n):

Answer: Heuristic

A heuristic is a mental shortcut that allows people to quickly make judgments and solve problems. While these shortcuts are useful for speeding up the decision-making process, they can sometimes lead to cognitive biases and errors in judgment.