Q.1 Which of the following best defines problem solving in cognitive psychology?
A process of memorizing facts
A mental process to reach a goal when the solution is not immediately obvious
A method to enhance physical skills
A form of social interaction
Explanation - Problem solving involves using cognitive processes to find solutions when a path to the goal is not clear.
Correct answer is: A mental process to reach a goal when the solution is not immediately obvious
Q.2 Which type of problem has a clear solution and a well-defined procedure to reach it?
Ill-defined problem
Algorithmic problem
Heuristic problem
Creative problem
Explanation - Algorithmic problems can be solved using a step-by-step procedure or formula.
Correct answer is: Algorithmic problem
Q.3 What is a heuristic in problem solving?
A guaranteed step-by-step solution
A mental shortcut or rule of thumb to simplify decision-making
A method of storing memories
A type of reasoning used only in mathematics
Explanation - Heuristics help solve problems faster but do not guarantee a solution.
Correct answer is: A mental shortcut or rule of thumb to simplify decision-making
Q.4 Which of the following is an example of a means-end analysis?
Identifying the difference between current and desired states and reducing it step by step
Randomly trying solutions
Using trial and error without strategy
Focusing only on the final goal without intermediate steps
Explanation - Means-end analysis involves breaking a problem into sub-goals to reduce differences between current and goal states.
Correct answer is: Identifying the difference between current and desired states and reducing it step by step
Q.5 Which barrier to problem solving involves sticking to known strategies even when they are ineffective?
Functional fixedness
Mental set
Confirmation bias
Overconfidence
Explanation - A mental set is a tendency to approach problems using a mindset that has worked in the past, even if it is no longer effective.
Correct answer is: Mental set
Q.6 Functional fixedness refers to:
Difficulty in using objects in new ways to solve problems
A mental shortcut for efficient problem solving
The inability to focus on one goal
The overestimation of one's problem-solving abilities
Explanation - Functional fixedness limits creative use of familiar objects, hindering problem solving.
Correct answer is: Difficulty in using objects in new ways to solve problems
Q.7 Insight in problem solving is characterized by:
Gradual and methodical trial-and-error
Sudden realization of a solution
Relying on algorithms exclusively
Following rigid procedures
Explanation - Insight occurs when the solution to a problem appears suddenly in the mind, often after a period of incubation.
Correct answer is: Sudden realization of a solution
Q.8 Which type of problem is ambiguous with multiple possible solutions?
Well-defined problem
Ill-defined problem
Algorithmic problem
Routine problem
Explanation - Ill-defined problems lack clear goals, solution paths, or expected solutions, making them more complex.
Correct answer is: Ill-defined problem
Q.9 Which cognitive bias can lead a person to ignore evidence that contradicts their beliefs during problem solving?
Confirmation bias
Anchoring bias
Functional fixedness
Representativeness bias
Explanation - Confirmation bias is the tendency to seek or interpret information in ways that confirm pre-existing beliefs, affecting problem-solving objectivity.
Correct answer is: Confirmation bias
Q.10 Trial and error problem solving is most effective when:
The solution space is very large
There are few possible solutions and the consequences of failure are minimal
A strict algorithm exists
Creative thinking is required
Explanation - Trial and error works best in simple problems where multiple attempts are feasible without high risk.
Correct answer is: There are few possible solutions and the consequences of failure are minimal
Q.11 Analogical problem solving involves:
Using a known solution from a similar problem to solve a new problem
Ignoring prior experiences
Breaking a problem into random parts
Memorizing solutions without understanding
Explanation - Analogical reasoning allows transfer of knowledge from a familiar problem to a new but similar situation.
Correct answer is: Using a known solution from a similar problem to solve a new problem
Q.12 Which of the following is a common obstacle to creative problem solving?
Functional fixedness
Algorithmic reasoning
Step-by-step planning
Trial and error
Explanation - Functional fixedness prevents individuals from using objects or concepts in novel ways, limiting creativity.
Correct answer is: Functional fixedness
Q.13 Sub-goals in problem solving refer to:
Smaller tasks that help reach the overall goal
Immediate solutions without planning
Irrelevant side tasks
Mental shortcuts that skip steps
Explanation - Breaking a problem into sub-goals makes complex problems more manageable.
Correct answer is: Smaller tasks that help reach the overall goal
Q.14 Which type of reasoning moves from specific instances to general principles?
Deductive reasoning
Inductive reasoning
Analogical reasoning
Heuristic reasoning
Explanation - Inductive reasoning involves drawing general conclusions from specific observations, often used in problem solving.
Correct answer is: Inductive reasoning
Q.15 Overcoming mental set requires:
Approaching problems with flexibility and open-mindedness
Relying on familiar strategies exclusively
Avoiding all past experiences
Following strict routines
Explanation - Breaking free from mental sets allows for novel strategies and creative solutions.
Correct answer is: Approaching problems with flexibility and open-mindedness
Q.16 Which of the following is true about experts in problem solving?
They always use trial and error
They rely on organized knowledge and pattern recognition
They avoid heuristics
They ignore prior experience
Explanation - Experts solve problems efficiently by recognizing patterns and using structured knowledge.
Correct answer is: They rely on organized knowledge and pattern recognition
Q.17 Backward chaining in problem solving involves:
Starting from the goal and working backward toward the initial state
Starting from the initial state and moving forward
Randomly guessing solutions
Using trial and error exclusively
Explanation - Backward chaining is a strategy where one begins with the desired outcome and determines steps needed to reach it.
Correct answer is: Starting from the goal and working backward toward the initial state
Q.18 Which of these best describes divergent thinking?
Generating multiple, unique solutions to a problem
Following a single correct procedure
Relying exclusively on memory
Using deductive logic only
Explanation - Divergent thinking is a key component of creativity, allowing flexibility in problem solving.
Correct answer is: Generating multiple, unique solutions to a problem
Q.19 Which problem-solving method involves breaking a complex problem into simpler, more manageable parts?
Means-end analysis
Trial and error
Functional fixedness
Heuristic avoidance
Explanation - Means-end analysis simplifies problems by focusing on reducing differences between current and goal states through sub-goals.
Correct answer is: Means-end analysis
Q.20 Anchoring bias in problem solving refers to:
Relying too heavily on the first piece of information encountered
Being creative and flexible
Considering multiple solutions equally
Ignoring initial assumptions
Explanation - Anchoring bias can limit problem-solving effectiveness by skewing judgment toward initial information.
Correct answer is: Relying too heavily on the first piece of information encountered
Q.21 Which of the following is a characteristic of a well-defined problem?
Clear initial state, goal state, and solution path
Ambiguous goal and multiple possible solutions
Requires only creativity
Has no identifiable constraints
Explanation - Well-defined problems have specific elements that guide the solver to a solution.
Correct answer is: Clear initial state, goal state, and solution path
Q.22 Incubation in problem solving refers to:
Taking a break from conscious thought, allowing subconscious processing
Solving the problem immediately
Focusing exclusively on known strategies
Avoiding the problem entirely
Explanation - Incubation periods can lead to sudden insights by allowing the mind to unconsciously process the problem.
Correct answer is: Taking a break from conscious thought, allowing subconscious processing
Q.23 Which of the following statements about heuristics is correct?
They guarantee a correct solution
They simplify problem solving but may lead to errors
They are only used by experts
They are the same as algorithms
Explanation - Heuristics are cognitive shortcuts that make problem solving faster but do not guarantee correctness.
Correct answer is: They simplify problem solving but may lead to errors
Q.24 Representativeness heuristic is used when:
Judging the probability of an event based on how similar it is to a prototype
Following strict logical rules
Using trial and error exclusively
Ignoring past experiences
Explanation - Representativeness heuristic leads people to estimate probabilities by comparing with existing mental prototypes.
Correct answer is: Judging the probability of an event based on how similar it is to a prototype
Q.25 Problem-solving skills are most enhanced by:
Practice, feedback, and reflection
Memorizing algorithms without understanding
Avoiding challenges
Relying solely on intuition
Explanation - Active engagement, feedback, and reflection improve cognitive strategies for effective problem solving.
Correct answer is: Practice, feedback, and reflection