HOSA ILC Creative Problem Solving Study Guide

Flashcards covering terminology from the HOSA ILC Creative Problem Solving Round One Study Guide, including logic, fallacies, decision-making models, and creative thinking techniques.

Deduction

A type of argument that guarantees the conclusion if the premises are true, moving from general rules to specifics.

Induction

Reasoning that derives general rules from specific observations and is probabilistic, such as the scientific method.

Inference

The mental step that links premises to a conclusion.

Affirming the Consequent

An invalid logical fallacy with the form: If $P$, then $Q$; $Q$ is true; therefore $P$ is true.

Denying the Antecedent

An invalid logical fallacy with the form: If $P$, then $Q$; $P$ is false; therefore $Q$ is false.

Hasty Generalization

Drawing a broad conclusion from a sample size that is too small.

Slippery Slope

Arguing that one action will lead inevitably to extreme outcomes without providing proof of that chain of events.

Appeal to Authority

Using an expert's opinion in place of evidence, fallacious if the person is not qualified in that specific domain.

Appeal to Emotion

Manipulating feelings, such as pity, instead of presenting factual evidence.

Red Herring

Introducing irrelevant information into a discussion to divert attention away from the real issue.

False Cause

Mistaking correlation for causation; also known as the fallacy that correlation equals causation.

Proposition

A declarative statement that is capable of being either true or false.

Premise

A statement assumed to be true that provides support for an argument.

Validity

A property of a deductive argument where the conclusion logically follows from the premises, regardless of whether the premises are true.

Soundness

A property of an argument that is both valid and has premises that are actually true.

Time/Information Curve

A concept showing that useful information is acquired rapidly at first, followed by a plateau of diminishing returns.

Opportunity Cost

The value of the next best alternative that is given up when making a choice.

Root Cause Analysis

The process of going beyond symptoms using W5H questions to isolate the actual deviation from normal functioning.

GROW Model

A decision framework consisting of Goals (objectives), Reality (current situation), Options (strategies), and Will (commitment to action).

Analysing

A meta-function of thought that involves breaking information down into its constituent parts.

Synthesising

A meta-function of thought, also called imagining, that involves combining parts to form wholes and novel ideas.

Valuing

A meta-function of thought that involves evaluating ideas against specific criteria.

Incubation

The stage of creativity, also called the Depth Mind phase, where the subconscious processes a problem while the conscious mind is at rest.

Brainstorming

A creativity technique introduced by Alex Osborn in the 1940s characterized by no criticism, wild ideas, quantity over quality, and building on others' ideas.

Lateral Thinking

A method developed by De Bono that involves indirect, creative leaps and deliberately breaking existing patterns.

Vertical Thinking

Step-by-step, analytical thinking that follows existing information and rules.

Knowledge Transfer

The application of solutions from one domain to another, exemplified by Jethro Tull using church organ principles to design the seed drill.

Team Charter

A written agreement that outlines team purpose, assesses strengths, and defines communication methods and member contributions.

Iceberg Analogy

A model showing that visible issues like tasks are above the surface, while hidden factors like values and culture are below the surface.

Dichotomy of Control

A Stoic principle of separating factors into those one can influence and those one cannot.

Premeditatio malorum

A Stoic practice of negative visualization, or imagining worst-case scenarios, to reduce fear and prepare contingencies.

QWERTY Keyboard

A layout designed by Sternad to slow down typing to prevent mechanical key jams on early typewriters.

Argumentation

The process of reasoning systematically in support of an idea, action, or theory.

Counterargument

An argument that opposes an idea put forward in another argument.

Cognitive Bias

A systematic pattern of deviation from norm or rationality in judgment.

Fallacy

A flaw in reasoning that renders an argument invalid.

Empirical Evidence

Information acquired by observation or experimentation.

Logical Positivism

A philosophical theory that suggests knowledge is only meaningful if it can be verified through empirical means.

Syllogism

A form of reasoning in which a conclusion is drawn from two given or assumed propositions (premises).

Falsifiability

The ability for a theory to be proven false, a key principle of the scientific method.

Anecdotal Evidence

Evidence based on personal accounts rather than facts or research.

Confirmation Bias

The tendency to search for, interpret, and remember information in a way that confirms one's preconceptions.