Purchase Solution

Gestalt vs. Information-Processing Theory of Problem Solving

Not what you're looking for?

Ask Custom Question

What are the major differences between the Gestalt view of problem solving and the information-processing perspective?

Purchase this Solution
Solution Summary

Through discussion and example, this solution explains the major differences between the Gestalt view of problem solving and the information-processing perspective. References are provided.

Solution Preview

1. What are the major differences between the Gestalt view of problem solving and the information-processing perspective?

GESTALT APPROACH

Thorndike (1898; see PIP p. 336) carried out some of the earliest research on problem solving using cats. He termed the behavior they displayed when solving problems as trial-and-error learning. (See http://www.psy.pdx.edu/PsiCafe/KeyTheorists/Thorndike.htm for more information on Edward Thorndike).

Reproductive and productive problem solving & Insight

The Gestaltists did not agree with Thorndike's view. They distinguished between:

? Reproductive problem solving, which Thorndike used.
? Productive problem solving-more complex, involving a novel restructuring of the problem.

In other words, Gestalt theory claims that problem solving is productive and reproductive. Reproductive problem solving draws on previous experiences whereas productive problem solving involves insight and restructuring of the problem. Reproductive problem solving could be a hindrance to finding a solution, since a person may fixate on the known aspects of a problem and so be unable to see novel ...

Purchase this Solution
Free BrainMass Quizzes
The World Health Organization

This quiz assesses the students knowledge about the World Health Organization. Although listed under “Philosophy” it is relevant to health care, political science, pre-med, and social scientist students as well.

Descartes Meditations on First Philosophy

Short quiz relating to Descartes

View More Free Quizzes
Related BrainMass Solutions

  • Problem Solving & Reasoning, Judgement, and Decision Making

    Cognitive problem solving uses information processing. This type of problem solving is compared to a computer because humans solve problems by mentally processing representations within his or her brain (Robinson-Riegler & Robinson-Riegler, 2008).

  • The Interaction between Gestalt psychology and Behaviorism

    This ties in with Gestalt psychology, due to the fact that without the ability of an individual to be able to organize stimuli in an efficient and effective manner within the brain, this individual could not begin the process of learning and problem solving

  • Gestalt Therapy vs. Operant Conditioning Therapy

    546640 Gestalt Therapy vs. Operant Conditioning Therapy Stimulate a critical thought debate between experiential theory approaches using the Gestalt therapy versus Behavior theory approaches using Operant Conditioning therapy.

  • Visual ambiguities - Cognitive psychology

    For example, the theory that was proposed to explain the philological ambiguities was that in the early stages of processing, specific and individual neural paths were used for visual processing, and that repetitive stimulation of only one or a few channels

  • Catell's and Binet's conception of mental tests

    Lastly, as you then apply Gestalt explanations of Learning, Productive Thinking, and Memory to your own life, I feel that learning within this theory is envisioned as holistic and a bit of a problem-solving quest for people to pursue.

  • Gestalt Principles

    Closure, Area, Symmetry Gestalt Principle: Closure The principle of closure applies when we tend to see complete figures even when part of the information is missing.

  • Gestalt Theory

    The Gestalt theory was based upon approaches to perception and problem solving focused on stimuli that operated to influence perception.

  • Perceptual Binding: Mirror Neurons

    Problem: Compare and contrast "the model of perceptual binding" with "the feature-integration theory" and "Gestalt theory". Explain how mirror neurons play a role in observational learning? Provide an example.

  • Counseling Approaches

    468421 Counseling Psychology: Client-Centered vs. Gestalt What are the basic tenets of Carl Rogers' Client-Centered Therapy? What about Gestalt theory, as dictated by Fritz Perls?

View More Related Solutions