(2) 2.2 Problem Solving

Algorithm

A step by step method that guarantees to solve a problem.

Heuristic

Mental shortcuts that allow problem solving.

Representativeness Heuristic

Quick judgments based on mental prototypes.

Ex:

Assuming a tall person who enjoys reading poetry is a poet

Gambler’s Fallacy

Belief that random events are influenced by previous outcomes.

Availability Heuristic

Things that come to mind easily are seen as 'more common or important'.

Ex:

After a highly publicized plane crash, people might fear flying more than driving, even though car accidents are statistically far more common.

Insight

Sudden understanding when solving a problem.

Functional Fixedness

Only thinking of the familiar functions of an object.

Ex:

• The task:

  Given a candle, a box of tacks, and a few matches, attach the candle to a vertical wall so it doesn't drip onto the floor. 

• The functional fixedness:

  Participants get stuck thinking of the box's only function as holding tacks. They fail to see it can be used as a shelf. 

• The solution:

  Empty the tacks from the box, pin the empty box to the wall, and place the candle inside the box. 

Mental Set

Tendency to approach a problem in one particular way.

Ex:

Imagine a student who consistently solves all algebra problems using a specific, complex formula that has worked for all previous problems. When faced with a new problem that can be solved with a much simpler shortcut, the student's mental set prevents them from recognizing the shortcut and they continue to use the more difficult method, failing to find the quicker solution.