PSY FPX 7421 Assessment 6 Problem Solving, Decision Making, and Intelligence

Student Name

Capella University

PSY FPX 7421 Cognitive/Affective Psychology

Prof. Name

Date

Problem Solving, Decision Making, and Intelligence

Problem solving, decision making, and intelligence constitute essential cognitive processes pivotal for everyday functioning. Problem solving involves the application of creativity to surmount obstacles and attain objectives. Decision making hinges on rationality and comprehension of consequences to opt for the optimal course of action. Intelligence, whether human or artificial, encompasses cognitive capacities imperative for adaptation and learning. These cognitive functions are intricately intertwined, exerting influence on one another across diverse contexts. This review delves into existing literature on these subjects, while also considering multicultural and ethical dimensions and exploring their underlying physiological mechanisms.

Problem-Solving and Creativity

Problem solving and creativity are deeply interconnected within the realm of cognition, each contributing to the generation of innovative solutions. Problem solving encompasses the identification of hurdles obstructing progress toward a goal and the formulation of strategies to overcome them (Goldstein, 2019). Creativity, characterized by the generation of novel ideas with potential utility, often plays a pivotal role in problem-solving endeavors. Creative problem solving entails thinking innovatively to produce unconventional solutions. Gestalt psychologists underscore the significance of comprehending problem representation and restructuring in facilitating productive thinking (Goldstein, 2019). Convergent and divergent thinking patterns shape creative problem solving, with the latter enabling exploration of multiple solutions in an open-ended manner (Goldstein, 2019).

Multicultural/Ethical Aspects

In multicultural settings, the integration of diverse perspectives enhances creativity in problem solving. While conventional brainstorming approaches are prevalent, individual idea generation followed by collective synthesis may prove more efficacious (Goldstein, 2019). Team diversity fosters creativity by incorporating a range of unique viewpoints (Leung & Wang, 2015). Ethical considerations also exert influence on problem solving and decision making. The framing of choices can impact decision-making strategies, potentially leading to ethical quandaries (Goldberg, 2019). Emotional influences on reasoning and decision making further compound ethical considerations, as emotions have the capacity to sway choices and perceptions (Goldberg, 2019).

Brain Physiology

The physiological underpinnings of problem solving and decision making entail intricate neural circuitry. Neuroimaging studies elucidate the involvement of executive control networks during creative tasks (Goldstein, 2019). Different forms of problem solving recruit distinct brain regions, underscoring the complexity inherent in cognitive processes (Goldstein, 2019). Decision making relies on brain regions associated with emotion and cognitive control, with neural activity reflecting the evaluation of choices (Goldberg, 2019).

Decision Making and Reasoning

Decision making encompasses various reasoning strategies, including inductive and deductive approaches. Inductive reasoning involves drawing conclusions based on observations and past experiences (Team, 2023). Deductive reasoning relies on logical premises to derive conclusions, albeit with potential limitations in flexibility (Team, 2023). Decision-making frameworks, such as the utility approach, prioritize rational decision making but may overlook emotional and contextual factors (Goldberg, 2019). Dual systems theory posits that unconscious and conscious mental processes collectively shape decision making (Goldberg, 2019).

Human and Artificial Intelligence

Intelligence encompasses cognitive capabilities crucial for learning and adaptation. Human intelligence encompasses intricate cognitive processes such as inference, language utilization, and problem solving (Miller, 2003). Artificial intelligence (AI) simulates cognitive functions through reinforcement learning algorithms (Zhao et al., 2022). Despite notable advancements, AI lacks emotional intelligence, presenting challenges in decision-making scenarios (Zhao et al., 2022). Multicultural considerations challenge traditional delineations of intelligence, underscoring the socially constructed nature of concepts like race (Sternberg, 2012).

Conclusion

Problem solving, decision making, and intelligence represent interconnected cognitive processes influenced by multicultural, ethical, and physiological factors. Grasping the intricacies of these processes is imperative for addressing societal challenges and advancing the field of cognitive science.

PSY FPX 7421 Assessment 6 Problem Solving, Decision Making, and Intelligence

References

Goldstein, B. E. (2019). Cognitive psychology: Connecting mind, research, and everyday experience (5th ed.). Cengage.

Leung, K., & Wang, J. (2015). Social processes and team creativity in multicultural teams: A socio-technical framework. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 36(7), 1008–1025.

Miller, G. A. (2003). The cognitive revolution: A historical perspective. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 7, 141–144.

Sternberg, R. J. (2012). Intelligence. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, 14(1), 19–27.

Team, D. E. (2023, March 12). Inductive versus deductive reasoning: Understand the differences. Retrieved from https://dovetail.com/research/inductive-vs-deductive-reasoning/