Chapter 8: Problem solving

Algorithm

step by step procedure for solving a problem

Ex. flowchart

Mental set

A help, the mental framework for how to solve a problem

Functional Findness

A harm, an obstacle that focuses solely on the object’s normal function

Ex. I have no firewood, I cannot start a fire (you can burn boxes)

Restructuring

Reorganizing your understanding of problem to create a solution

Ex. “I’m scared of home invasions” look at statistics and preventative measures

Heuristic

A mental shortcut of solve problems and make judgements

representative huersitc

shortcut for probability and likelihood

Ex. If a person’s wearing Red in target, they work at Target

Availability Heuristic

Shortcut that decides likelihood and frequency of events

Ex. Overestimating shark attacks

Affect Heuristcs

Shortcut that makes judgement based on the affects

Ex. Buying stocks based on how much you like them

Belief preservation

tendency for people to resist change in beliefs

framing

the way decisions, opinions, and ideas are described

confirmation bias

look for evidence that conforms to prior beliefs

Bounded relationship

rational decision making is based on our limited cognative function

Ex. I bought too large shoes bc I needed them for a wedding in an hour