Walden University Problem Solving

Consider the following scenario: You are trying to complete a difficult assignment, and you become “stuck” on a specific problem, question, or detail. You are tired, hungry, and frustrated and have difficulty coming to a resolution. Eventually, you give up or take a break and move on to another activity.

Later, while you are cooking dinner, jogging down the street, or taking a shower, the answer comes. Out of thin air, you have solved a problem that you had stopped thinking about. How might this phenomenon be possible?

For this Discussion, you consider barriers to problem solving. You also explain how one might overcome such barriers.

With these thoughts in mind:

By Day 3

Post a brief description of two examples when you encountered barriers to problem solving. Then explain the steps you took to overcome the barriers in each example. Finally, explain strategies to enhance problem-solving skills. Support your response with references to the Learning Resources and current literature.

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.

REQUIRED READINGS

group problem solving: Recognition, social combination, and performance.<span>&nbsp;</span><i style=”box-sizing: border-box;”>Group Dynamics: Theory, Research, and Practice</i>,<span>&nbsp;</span><i style=”box-sizing: border-box;”>8</i>(4), 277–290.<br style=”box-sizing: border-box;”></blockquote>’>Bonner, B. L. (2004). Expertise in group problem solving: Recognition, social combination, and performance. Group Dynamics: Theory, Research, and Practice, 8(4), 277–290.

Burns, K., & Bechara, A. (2007). Decision making and free will: A neuroscience perspective. Behavioral Sciences & the Law, 25(2), 263–80.

simple decision task.<span>&nbsp;</span><i style=”box-sizing: border-box;”>Science</i>,<span>&nbsp;</span><i style=”box-sizing: border-box;”>310</i>(5745), 116–119.<br style=”box-sizing: border-box;”></blockquote>’>Johansson, P., Hall, L., Silkstrom S., & Olsson, A. (2005). Failure to detect mismatches between intention and outcome in a simple decision task. Science, 310(5745), 116–119.

Osman, M. (2008). Positive transfer and negative transfer/antilearning of problem-solving skills. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 137(1), 97–115.

Sanfey, A. G., Loewenstein, G., McClure, S. M., & Cohen, J. D. (2006). Neuroeconomics: Cross-currents in research on decision-making. Trends in Cognitive Science, 10(3), 108–116.

Sio, U. N., & Ormerod, T. C. (2009). Does incubation enhance problem solving? A meta-analytic review. Psychological Bulletin, 135(1), 94–120.

Weber, E. U., & Johnson, E. J. (2009). Mindful judgment and decision making. Annual Review of Psychology, 60, 53–85

REQUIRED MEDIA

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2012). Week 7: Problem solving/decision making/intelligence/creativity [Interactive multimedia]. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Transcript: Week 7: Problem Solving/Decision Making/Intelligence/Creativity (PDF)

OPTIONAL RESOURCE

Brown, T. (2008, May). Tim Brown on creativity and play [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.ted.com/talks/tim_brown_on_creativity_a…

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