Problem Solving and Einstein's Riddle
Problem Solving Strategies
General Approaches:
Trial and Error: Continue testing different solutions until the problem is resolved.
Algorithm: A step-by-step formulaic approach to solving problems.
Heuristic: A general problem-solving framework that allows for shortcuts and rules of thumb.
Example Heuristics:
Working-backwards: Start from the end result to solve the problem.
Breaking large tasks: Divide complex problems into smaller, manageable steps.
Use of Heuristics
Context for Utilization:
Complicated information overload.
Limited time for making decisions.
Issues perceived as unimportant.
Little information available for decision-making.
Heuristics that come to mind intuitively during the moment of decision.
Pitfalls in Problem Solving
Functional Fixedness: The inability to perceive an object being used differently than its intended purpose.
Example Problem: Mounting a candle on the wall using only a candle, thumbtacks, and a box of matches.
Quote: "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result" – Albert Einstein.
Mental Sets: A rigid approach to viewing problems; effective until it fails to yield a solution.
Biases in Decision Making
Reasoning Flaws:
Anchoring Bias: Focusing too heavily on one piece of information when making a decision or solving a problem.
Confirmation Bias: Emphasizing information that supports existing beliefs.
Further Biases
Hindsight Bias: The tendency to view past events as having been predictable, known as the “I knew it all along” effect.
Representative Bias: Unintentional stereotyping when forming judgments about a situation or individual.
Availability Heuristic: Making decisions based on readily available examples or information, regardless of how representative or relevant they are.