algorithm is formal path for reaching a solution, which involves one or more iterative processes that usually lead to an accurate answer to a question
analysis is the process of breaking down a complex whole into smaller elements)
convergent thinking is thought processes during which an individual selectively narrows down multiple alternatives until reaching a single, optimal alternative
creativity is a cognitive process that leads to the production of something that is both original and worthwhile culture-fair is an ideal describing something that is equally appropriate and fair for members of all cultures
divergent thinking is thought processes involving the production of diverse alternatives
functional fixedness is a mental set in which an indi~ vidual fails to see an alternative use for something that has been known previously to have a particular use
functional fixedness is the tendency to represent objects as serving conventional problem-solving functions and thus failing to see that they can serve novel functions. 
heuristics are informal, speculative, shortcut strategies for solving problems, which sometimes work and sometimes do not
incubation effect is the phenomenon that sometimes solutions to a particular problem come easier after a period of time in which one has ignored trying to solve the problem. 
incubation is a period of rest, following a period of intensive effort in problem solving, during which the problem solver puts aside the problem for a while, thereby permitting greater mental flexibility so that insight may emerge
insight is a seemingly sudden understanding of the nature of something, often as a result of taking a novel approach to the object of insight
insight problems are problems whose solution depend on one key insight. 
isomorphic problems are problems where the formal structure of the problem is the same but the problem content differs
mental set is a cognitive phenomenon in which an individual is predisposed to use an existing model for representing information, even when the existing model inadequately represents the information in a new situation
negative transfer is poorer learning of a second task as a function of having learned a first task. 
negative transfer is the hindrance of problem solving as a result of prior experience in solving apparently related or similar problems
positive transfer is the facilitation of problem solving as a result of prior experience in solving related or similar problems
problem solving is a process for which the goal is to overcome obstacles obstructing a path to a solution
problem space is a representation of the various sequences of problem-solving operators that lead among various states of a problem. 
problem space is a metaphor proposed for encompassing all of the possible actions that can be applied to solving a problem, considering any constraints that apply to the solution of the problem
problem-solving cycle is a series of steps for problem solving, which include problem identification, problem definition and representation, strategy formulation, organization of information, allocation of resources, monitoring, and evaluation
productive thinking is thought processes involving novel, nonlinear insights
selective-combination insights are thought processes involving novel syntheses of relevant information
selective-comparison insights are cognitive processes involving novel realizations of how existing knowledge may be related to new information
selective-encoding insights are cognitive processes of mental representation, in which relevant information is distinguished from irrelevant information
stereotype is mental set involving a belief that all members of a given social group will demonstrate particular characteristics observed in one or more members of that group
synthesis is the process of integrating various elements into a more complex whole
transfer is the carryover of knowledge or skills from one kind of task or one particular context to another kind of task or another context
transparency is the tendency to believe that problem situations with similar contexts or content also have analogous formal structures or solution paths
well-structured problem is problem with a welldefined path to solution