4.2 Problem Solving and Decision-Making

Mental Set

Tendency to approach similar problems in the same way.

Functional Fixedness

The inability to consider how to use an object in a nontraditional manner.

Trial-and-Error

Problem-solving method of trying things until something work.

Algorithms

Formula or procedure for solving a certain type of problem.

Deductive Reasoning

Top-down reasoning which starts from a set of general rules and draws conclusions from the information given. An example includes a logic puzzle.

Inductive Reasoning

Bottom-up reasoning which seeks to create a theory via generalization. Starts with specific instances and then draws conclusions from them.

Heuristics

Simplified principles used to make decisions, colloquially called "rules of thumb".

Availability Heuristic

Used when we try to decide how likely something is. We make those decisions based on how easily similar instances can be imagined.

Representativeness Heuristic

Involves categorizing items on the basis of whether they fit the prototypical, stereotypical, or representative image of the category. Such as flipping a coin heads ten times and then neglecting that the actual probability is still fifty percent for the next flip.

Base Rate Fallacy

Using prototypical or stereotypical factors while ignoring the numerical information.

Disconfirmation Principle

If a solution to a problem fails during testing, it should be discarded. However, the presence of a confirmation bias may prevent someone from doing so.

Confirmation Bias

The tendency to focus on information that fits an individual's belief.

Overconfidence

The tendency to believe that one's decisions, knowledge, and beliefs are infallible.

Belief Perseverance

The inability to reject a particular belief despite clear evidence to the contrary.

Intuition

Refers to the ability to act on perceptions that may not be supported by available evidence. What the person does "feels correct" to them.

Recognition-Primed Decision Model

A doctor is able to sort through a lot of information in order to identify a pattern. With practice and experience, it becomes accessible without awareness.

Emotion

The subjective experience of a person in a certain situation.

Howard Gardner

Created the theory of multiple intelligences.

Multiple Intelligences

Seven defined types of intelligence including linguistic, logical-mathematical, musical, visual-spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, and intrapersonal.

Linguistic, Logical-Mathematical, Musical, Visual-Spatial, Bodily-Kinesthetic, Interpersonal, Intrapersonal

The seven categories of the multiple intelligences.

Spearman's G Factor

General intelligence factor. Based on the fact that performance on different cognitive tasks is positively correlated, indicating an underlying factor or variable is playing a role.

Alfred Binet

Pioneered IQ tests.

Stanford-Binet IQ Test

IQ = 100 * (Mental age/age)