7.3 problem solving

learning goals:

• describe problem solving strategies

• define algorithm and heuristic

• explain some common roadblocks to effective problem solving and decision making

problem-solving strategy is a plan of action used to find a solution.

a well-known strategy is trial and error

Working backwards is a useful heuristic in which you begin solving the problem by focusing on the end result.

mental set is where you persist in approaching a problem in a way that has worked in the past but is clearly not working now.

Functional fixedness is a type of mental set where you cannot perceive an object being used for something other than what it was designed for.

An anchoring bias occurs when you focus on one piece of information when making a decision or solving a problem.

confirmation bias is the tendency to focus on information that confirms your existing beliefs.

Hindsight bias leads you to believe that the event you just experienced was predictable, even though it really wasn’t.

Representative bias describes a faulty way of thinking, in which you unintentionally stereotype someone or something;

the availability heuristic is a heuristic in which you make a decision based on an example, information, or recent experience that is that readily available to you, even though it may not be the best example to inform your decision.