Problem Solving – Psychology UGC NET – Solved PYQs

Included Topics: Problem Solving: Type, Strategies and Obstacles, Decision-Making: Types and Models

1. According to Problem Space theory, a problem solver generally operates through three states; the goal state and all possible (DEC 2014)

(1) Pre state; final state
(2) First state; outcome state
(3) Initial state; outcome state
(4) Initial state; intermediate state

2. Read each of the following two statements, Assertion (A) and Reason (R) and indicate your answer using the codes given below: (DEC 2014)

Assertion (A): We use mental short-cuts to solve problems.

Reason (R): Problem-solving includes thinking.

Codes:

(1) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
(2) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
(3) (A) is true, but (R) is false
(4) (A) is false, but (R) is true

3. Problem-solving comprise of different stages which refer to the sequence of (DEC 2014)

(1) Preparation; illumination; incubation; verification
(2) Incubation; preparation; illumination; verification
(3) Preparation, incubation; illumination, verification
(4) Preparation, incubation, verification, illumination

4. Match List I with List II and indicate your answer using the codes given below: (DEC 2014)

Codes:

(1) A-III, B-I, C-IV, D-II
(2) A-III, B-IV, C-II, D-I
(3) A-III, B-IV, C-I, D-II
(4) A-IV, B-III, C-I, D-II

5. Which of the following is correctly arranged? (JUNE 2015)

(1) Identify, Set goals, Explore, Alternatives, Select, Evaluate, Implement
(2) Identify, Explore, Set goals, Alternatives, Select, Implement, Evaluate
(3) Select, Explore, Identify, Set goals, Alternatives, Implement, Evaluate
(4) Explore, Identify, Select, Set goals, Alternatives, Evaluate, Implement

6. Read each of the following two statements, Assertion (A) and Reason (R) and indicate your answer using the codes given below: (JUNE 2015)

Assertion (A): In problem-solving process, people generally evolve/select the optimal solutions of a problem.

Reason (R): A number of solutions are identified to choose from.

Codes:

(1) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
(2) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
(3) (A) is true, but (R) is false
(4) (A) is false, but (R) is true

7. Which among the following defines problem space? (DEC 2015)

I. An initial state
II. A goal state
III. A set of operations

Select the correct answer from the codes given below:

(1) I and III
(2) I and II
(3) II and III
(4) I, II and III

8. How does one select the option with the highest expected utility while making rational decision-making? Find the correct sequence. (DEC 2015)

I. Assigning utilities.
II. Weighting/multiplying the utilities by the likelihoods.
III. Evaluating the likelihood of alternatives.
IV. Assessing the consequences.

Select the correct answer from the codes given below:

(1) I, IV, II and III
(2) I, III, II and IV
(3) I, IV, III and II
(4) III, IV, I and II