7.3 Problem Solving

problem solving

cognition used to reach goal by thinking/behaving in certain ways

decision making

type of problem solving in which we already know the possible options

trial and error

one possible solution after another is tried until successful

algorithms

specific steps for solving certain problems

heuristic

shortcut learned from experience that people use to make decisions typically when facing complex problems or incomplete information

representatives

make decisions based on how much something represents or typical case

availability

operates when we make decisions on how available information is

insight

sudden perception of solution to problem “aha moment”

conformation bias

search for evidence that fits beliefs while ignoring evidence not fitting beliefs

mental set

persist in using problem solving patterns

functional fixedness

thinking about only most typical functions of objects

conjunction fallacy

error of believing specific conditions are more probable than a single general oneanch

anchoring effect

tendency to consider an initial piece of information offered when making a decision

gamblers fallacy

the chance that something occurring depends on whether it has recently occurred

loss aversion

tendency to be more sensitive to actual or potential losses than to gains