snide079: October 2011 Archives

Every day we use problem solving in multiple situations that are both complex and simple. Problem solving is the cognitive strategy to accomplish a goal. The Lilienfeld text provides three different types of problem solving that hinder our ability to find a solution. One being, the salience of surface similarities. This can affect our problem solving because it becomes difficult to ignore the surface features of a problem. Instead of focusing on the reasoning needed to solve a problem, we only notice the attention grabbing details. Another issue that tends to pop up with problem solving is a mental set. Mental sets can certainly help with solving problems in one particular way. However, a mental set can cause trouble thinking "outside of the box." Instead of finding new and improved ways to solve a problem, we are stuck with the usual way to solve a problem. Lastly, functional fixedness can inhibit us to solve a tricky problem. Functional fixedness is defined as the difficulty realizing an object has more than one purpose. With this type of hamper, we focus on what an objects original use is and don't regard other ways in which it can be used.

Problem solving is extremely important in our every day life. If we didn't use problem solving, we probably wouldn't get very far. Whether it be used on an exam, relationship, or even a minor decision like what to wear everyday, we use problem solving to overcome each challenge.

Each type of problem solving can be used in real life. The salience of surface similarities can be applied to looking at a math problem, perhaps. Some math problems are filled with tons of extra information or stories when really we only need to notice if we need to divide or multiple. A mental set can pertain to picking a speech topic for a class. A lot of times we choose speech topics that have already been discussed in class rather than picking a topic "outside of the box." Functional fixedness can be related to a text book. If we don't have a hammer at immediate use, a text book might suffice.

Sure, it's easy to see how problem solving is critical to solving a challenge. But what are some other types of problem solving that can interfere with finding a solution? What part of the brain does problem solving occur and at what age is problem solving fully matured?

Lindsay Snider

Deja Vu experiences have effected more than two thirds of people at least once. It gives us the sense of having "been there, done that." Specifically speaking, deja vu makes us believe we've already lived through a certain incident. Psychologists have hypothesized numerous means to explain deja vu. One proposition describes deja vu as a memory from a past life. However, this is unfalsifiable and does not justify a theory for deja vu. A more accepted theory is that people who undergo deja vu suffer from small seizures in the right temporal lobe. Throughout these seizures dopamine plays a key role to trigger the feeling of familiarity.

Consciousness and unusual experiences can be puzzling concepts for psychologists. It's important to have an understanding of how the brain works and how unusual experiences are generated. Deja vu is a common occurrence for many people which is why it is so crucial to comprehend.

I myself have experienced deja vu. Whether it be while I'm driving, watching television, or relaxing with friends deja vu always seems to be a random phenomenon. Although deja vu appears to be uncontrollable and unplanned, in reality it is controlled and produced by an early experience which might have originated in childhood or a much earlier stage of life.

Even though psychologists have found ways to explain deja vu, there are still questions that have yet to be answered. How come the illusions only last for a brief 10-30 seconds? Which types of deja vu experiences arise the most? If one were to suffer from damage to the right temporal lobe would deja vu be eliminated from that person completely?

http://youtu.be/VJF2bbQzuBY

Lindsay Snider