PSYC 1000 Chapter Notes - Chapter 8: Functional Fixedness, Decision-Making, Motivated Reasoning

• School: University of Guelph
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 1000
• Professor: Harvey Marmurek

Document Summary

Problem-solving, judgment, decision-making: defining & solving problems. Many life problems have obstacles interfere goal-reaching: strategies. Problem-solving based prior experience, provide educated guess on likely solution: cognitive obstacles: obstacles, mental set: type, problem-solving & jokes: cognitive obstacles if circumstances change. Usually start w/ algorithm to id pattern, then heuristics. Routine for solutions usually allows for efficient problem-solving but may be. Sometimes problem-solving rules (algorithms, heuristics) become cognitive. Logical, follow steps in preset order fast, rules of thumb. Impose limitations on lines in 9-dot problem must break rules. Cognitive obstacle when one attempts apply routine sol"n to new problem technique"s most obvious function: audience detect joke set-up unexpected (incongruity detection) initial tension incongruity tension, audience elaborate on joke funny mental images, self-relate. Jokes & riddles involve problem to be solved. Functional fixedness: one id technique used to solve problem, think of. Identify goal, choose best strategy, avoid obstacles. Neuroimaging find brain areas related to nonsense stimuli & stimuli.