Problem Solving Stimulation

Problem Solving Stimulation

Evelyn Millslagle

BEH/225

April 6 2011

Dr. Stephen Sharp

Problem Solving Stimulation

Interpreting the problem was driving me crazy and I had to think for quite some time until I eventually realized it was possible. I was ready to give up several times and really thought that there was no way to do this problem. Every time I would take the cat to the other side and then I went and picked up the dog and when I went back to get the mouse the dog and cat were tearing each other up. I literally thought it was impossible to solve this. I really felt like a dog trying to catch my tail and not making it.

The strategy that I used was taking the cat across and then returned for the mouse. When I had the mouse on the other side, I put the cat on the raft and returned to the other side and picked up the dog. I left the cat alone and when I had the dog to the other side with the mouse I returned for the cat and brought the cat over to where the dog and mouse were. That is how we all made it safely to the other side of the river. I was amazed at how easy it was, and was so relieved that I finally figured it out.

I encountered many problems with this problem and the animals were fighting each other bad. It really was mind draining and I had to leave it many times in order to clear my mind. I actually sit down at work and put it on paper to work it out. This did not help and I was getting upset with myself because I knew there was a solution. I tried putting both animals on the raft, but it would not allow me to do it. I tried taking the dog first and then realized while doing this I put the cat and mouse into a fight.

I can honestly say that I was aware of the thought process, but I realize now if I had used it I may have solved it sooner. I spent days looking at the small picture and did not look outside of the box. I will remember from now on that I have to consider everything and get a grasp on it before it overwhelms me. I know the...