Learn
Games

7.4.1 - Obstacles to Solving Problems

Interactive Audio Lesson

Listen to a student-teacher conversation explaining the topic in a relatable way.

Understanding Mental Set

Unlock Audio Lesson

Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Lesson

Teacher
Teacher

Today, we are going to talk about a major obstacle to problem-solving called 'mental set'. Can anyone tell me what they think mental set means?

Student 1
Student 1

Is it when you keep doing things the same way, even if it doesn't work?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! It's the tendency to rely on previously successful strategies, even when they might not apply to the current problem. This can limit our ability to think of new solutions. Let’s use 'C.A.R.E.' as a mnemonic to remember this concept: 'C' for 'Continuity in Method,' 'A' for 'Approach rigidity,' 'R' for 'Repetitive failure,' and 'E' for 'Evaluate alternatives.' Does that help?

Student 2
Student 2

Yes, it’s like when I always use the same method in math, and when it doesn’t work, I get stuck.

Teacher
Teacher

Great observation! And remember that while sometimes this familiarity can lead to faster solutions, rigid adherence can prevent us from adapting to new challenges.

Examples of Mental Set in Daily Life

Unlock Audio Lesson

Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Lesson

Teacher
Teacher

Now, let's think about real-life examples where mental sets might affect us. Can anyone think of a scenario?

Student 3
Student 3

What about fixing a computer? If I always use the same troubleshooting method, I might miss something different that could fix the issue.

Teacher
Teacher

Precisely! You might find that a different approach is necessary for unique situations. This shows how flexible thinking is essential!

Student 4
Student 4

So, how do I avoid falling into that trap? What can I do?

Teacher
Teacher

A good strategy is to consciously ask yourself, 'Is there another way to look at this problem?' This encourages creative solutions. Let's remember: 'Adapt to Act', where 'A' is for adjust your strategy, 'C' is for consider alternatives!

Lack of Motivation in Problem Solving

Unlock Audio Lesson

Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Lesson

Teacher
Teacher

Next, let's discuss another obstacle: lack of motivation. How do you think motivation can influence our ability to solve problems?

Student 1
Student 1

If I don’t feel like doing something, I might just give up on it instantly.

Teacher
Teacher

That's right! When we lack motivation, we often don't put in the effort needed to find solutions. Think of 'M.O.V.E.': 'M' for Maintain effort, 'O' for Overcome obstacles, 'V' for Visualize success, and 'E' for Encourage self.

Student 2
Student 2

So, I have to remind myself to keep trying even if it gets tough?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! Cultivating intrinsic motivation is crucial to continue even when faced with challenges. Remember, persistence pays off!

Strategies to Overcome Obstacles

Unlock Audio Lesson

Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Lesson

Teacher
Teacher

Finally, let’s brainstorm ways to overcome mental set and lack of motivation. What strategies come to mind?

Student 3
Student 3

I think maybe taking breaks when I feel stuck would help.

Teacher
Teacher

Good idea! Breaks can refresh your mind. Also, constantly reevaluating your problem approach can help. Let’s summarize: remember 'C.R.E.A.T.E.': 'C' for change strategies, 'R' for remain engaged, 'E' for evaluate continuously, 'A' for ask for help, 'T' for take breaks, and 'E' for embrace new ideas!

Student 4
Student 4

That’s helpful! So it's about being flexible and staying motivated, right?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! With these strategies, you can tackle obstacles effectively. Remember, problem-solving is about flexibility and persistence!

Introduction & Overview

Read a summary of the section's main ideas. Choose from Basic, Medium, or Detailed.

Quick Overview

This section discusses the primary obstacles to effective problem-solving, particularly focusing on mental set and lack of motivation.

Standard

Problem-solving can be hindered by two major obstacles: mental set, which refers to relying on previously successful methods that may not apply to new problems, and lack of motivation, which can lead individuals to give up easily when faced with difficulties. Both factors significantly impact the process and success of finding solutions.

Detailed

Obstacles to Solving Problems

In psychology, problem-solving is a critical skill required in everyday life that often faces various obstacles which can impede effective solution-finding. Two major obstacles include:

Mental Set

Mental set refers to a tendency to approach problems using the same methods or strategies that had worked previously, thus leading to rigidity in thinking. This can be illustrated in mathematical problem solving, where a student may become attached to one method of solving problems that causes them difficulty when a new situation requires a different approach. The consequence of this is often failure to find a solution as the person cannot see beyond the steps they have consistently followed. While mental sets can sometimes speed up problem-solving when the situation is similar, they can also create barriers when presented with novel challenges.

Lack of Motivation

Lack of motivation is another significant barrier in problem-solving that manifests itself as a lack of persistence. When individuals encounter difficulties or failures early on in the problem-solving process, they may become discouraged and give up, thereby ceasing their efforts to find a solution. Therefore, maintaining a level of intrinsic motivation can be key to overcoming obstacles in problem-solving.

In summary, acknowledging and addressing these obstacles can enhance problem-solving abilities, leading to more effective and creative solutions in diverse situations.

Youtube Videos

Obstacles to Solving Problems - Thinking | Class 11 Psychology Chapter 8 | CBSE 2024-25
Obstacles to Solving Problems - Thinking | Class 11 Psychology Chapter 8 | CBSE 2024-25
Obstacles to Solving PROBLEMS. Class -11 Psychology Chapter-8 Thinking
Obstacles to Solving PROBLEMS. Class -11 Psychology Chapter-8 Thinking
PSYCHOLOGY: Ciccarelli Chapter 7 | Part 2 | PROBLEM-SOLVING & DECISION-MAKING | Mind Review
PSYCHOLOGY: Ciccarelli Chapter 7 | Part 2 | PROBLEM-SOLVING & DECISION-MAKING | Mind Review
Problem Solving - Thinking | Class 11 Psychology Chapter 8
Problem Solving - Thinking | Class 11 Psychology Chapter 8
Obstacles to problem solving - Intro to Psychology
Obstacles to problem solving - Intro to Psychology
Problem Solving Class 11 PSYCHOLOGY Chapter 8 Thinking
Problem Solving Class 11 PSYCHOLOGY Chapter 8 Thinking
Thinking - Multiple Choice Questions | Class 11 Psychology Chapter 7 | CBSE 2024-25
Thinking - Multiple Choice Questions | Class 11 Psychology Chapter 7 | CBSE 2024-25
CLASS-11, PSYCHOLOGY, CHAPTER- 8. PROBLEM SOLVING. THINKING #psychology #class11 #msw #cbse #ncert
CLASS-11, PSYCHOLOGY, CHAPTER- 8. PROBLEM SOLVING. THINKING #psychology #class11 #msw #cbse #ncert

Audio Book

Dive deep into the subject with an immersive audiobook experience.

Mental Set

Unlock Audio Book

Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Book

Mental set is a tendency of a person to solve problems by following already tried mental operations or steps. Prior success with a particular strategy would sometimes help in solving a new problem. However, this tendency also creates a mental rigidity that obstructs the problem solver to think of any new rules or strategies.

Detailed Explanation

A mental set refers to a habitual way of solving problems based on past experiences. When someone successfully solves a problem one way, they tend to repeat that method for similar problems, even when it might not be effective. This reliance on familiar strategies can make it difficult for a person to see alternative solutions. For instance, if a student always uses the same formula in math class to solve equations, they may struggle when faced with a slightly different problem that requires a different approach.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine a person who learns to drive a manual car and becomes very comfortable with it. Whenever they switch to an automatic car, they might still reach for the gear stick out of habit and forget to simply drive without shifting gears. The habitual action of reaching for the stick (the mental set) prevents them from adapting to the new driving method.

Functional Fixedness

Unlock Audio Book

Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Book

Like mental set, functional fixedness in problem solving occurs when people fail to solve a problem because they are fixed on a thing’s usual function. If you have ever used a hardbound book to hammer a nail, then you have overcome functional fixedness.

Detailed Explanation

Functional fixedness is a cognitive bias that limits a person to using an object only in the way it is traditionally used. This can hinder creative problem-solving because the person may not consider using the object for a different purpose. For example, a person might see a brick solely as a building material and would not think of using it as a doorstop or paperweight, which could limit their ability to solve a problem that requires a weight to hold something in place.

Examples & Analogies

Think of a Swiss Army knife. If someone only thinks of it as a knife, they may not utilize the scissors, screwdriver, or bottle opener included. If they face a situation where a can needs opening, their functional fixedness would stop them from using the device's other features, leading to frustration instead of a solution.

Lack of Motivation

Unlock Audio Book

Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Book

People might be great at solving problems, but all their skills and talents are of no use if they are not motivated. Sometimes people give up easily when they encounter a problem or failure in implementing the first step. Therefore, there is a need to persist in their effort to find a solution.

Detailed Explanation

Lack of motivation can become a significant barrier to effective problem-solving. Even if a person has the skills needed to tackle an issue, if they don't feel motivated or resilient enough to persevere through challenges, they may abandon the attempt altogether. This underscores the importance of fostering a positive mindset and maintaining determination when facing obstacles.

Examples & Analogies

Consider a student preparing for a challenging exam. If they encounter a difficult topic and feel overwhelmed or discouraged, they might say to themselves, 'I'm not good at this,' and stop studying. However, if they remain motivated and seek help, join a study group, or break the topic into manageable parts, they are much more likely to succeed. Motivation can be the deciding factor between success and giving up.

Definitions & Key Concepts

Learn essential terms and foundational ideas that form the basis of the topic.

Key Concepts

  • Mental Set: A tendency to use previously learned methods that may not apply to new problems.

  • Lack of Motivation: A crucial factor that impacts persistence in solving problems.

Examples & Real-Life Applications

See how the concepts apply in real-world scenarios to understand their practical implications.

Examples

  • Solving a math problem using an old strategy that doesn't apply anymore can be an example of mental set.

  • A student giving up on their homework when they encounter a difficult question reflects lack of motivation.

Memory Aids

Use mnemonics, acronyms, or visual cues to help remember key information more easily.

🎵 Rhymes Time

  • When your mind is set, don't forget, new ideas can help you fret!

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Once upon a time, a clever fox always used the same path to find food but one day got stuck. Only when he tried zig-zagging did he find a new way! This story teaches us not to be rigid in our methods.

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • M.O.V.E. - Maintain effort, Overcome obstacles, Visualize success, Encourage self.

🎯 Super Acronyms

C.A.R.E. - Change Approach, Remain flexible, Evaluate alternatives.

Flash Cards

Review key concepts with flashcards.

Glossary of Terms

Review the Definitions for terms.

  • Term: Mental Set

    Definition:

    A tendency to solve problems using the same methods that have been successful in the past, even when they may not be effective.

  • Term: Motivation

    Definition:

    The internal drive or desire to accomplish a goal, which influences perseverance in problem-solving.