An introductory text reads: When you’re trying to solve a problem, it helps to identify an initial state and a goal state (Newell et al 1958). The strategy you choose and your ability to develop a solution will depend on many factors, including your reservoir of knowledge and the amount of time you spend assessing the problem (Ericsson, 2003; Goldstein, 2011). Sometimes, obstacles derive from problem itself—for example, you must register for classes by a certain date. Other times, the barriers exist in your mind, preventing you from identifying different approaches. The first panel shows the steps in problem solving as follows:
Step 1: Understand the problem reads, Identify initial state: What do you know about the problem situation? What is the goal state? The text bubble from the person labeled U defines the following problem: I need to register for classes, but i don’t know what to take. Obstacles: My major has requirements, not every class is offered this semester. Some classes have prerequisites.
Step 2: Choose an Approach:
Trial and error: try every option.
Algorithms: Follow step-by-step procedure to guaranteed solution.
Heuristics: Use general strategies that provide shortcuts.
A rectangular text box from the person labeled U lists the Employee algorithm to narrow down options:
Step 3: Evaluate: Problem solved? If not, try again. A text bubble corresponding to the silhouette of a person carrying a tray with a bowl and the glass reads the text bubble as follows: No, I can’t take biology. It’s only offered at 4 30 P M, when I have to be at work.
The last panel describes the barriers to problem solving. An introductory text reads, being stuck in a certain way of thinking about a problem can limit what we see as available approaches. For example, our student registering for classes may assume that classes must be in-person with an instructor on campus. This assumption prevents the student from investigating more flexible online classes, hybrid classes, or classes that could be transferred from another college. Sticking with our usual solution strategies is called a mental set. To see if you can overcome your mental set, try solving this problem. A 3 by 3 square puzzle box is shown below; the nine boxes in the grid have each a white circle. Text beside reads without lifting your pencil, can you connect all nine dots using only 4 straight lines and without crossing any dot more than once? (Solution on page XXX.)
An illustration alongside shows a silhouette of a woman standing between two trees; two ropes are tied, one hanging from each tree. The woman holds a rope on the left side with her one hand and extends her arm toward the other rope hanging from the other tree, but can’t reach it. Text below reads as follows: Functional fixedness is another barrier in which we can only imagine using familiar objects in their usual way. Say you need to tie two ropes together, but you can’t reach them both at the same time. Will functional fixedness keep you from solving this problem? (Solution on page XXX.)