Post on 21-May-2015
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PROBLEM-SOLVING
How do you solve a problem?
• Use an ALGORITHM - You think it through step by step and consider all possibilities
• Use HEURISTICS – a quick solution sometimes called a “rule of thumb”
• Use INSIGHT- the “a-ha” moment
Obstacles to problem-solving
• Fixation• Representativeness heuristics• Availability heuristics• Overconfidence• Framing • Confirmation bias
Fixation
• Functional fixedness– What is the use of a pencil?– How many ways can a pencil be used?
• Mental set– If you solve a problem one way successfully you
can solve all problems the same way
• Both -> stereotyping in thought
Representativeness Heuristics
• The likelihood of things in terms of how well they represent a prototype.
• Example of a bird:
Which is a better prototype for a bird?
Availability Heuristics
How mentally available is our information
Which letter occurs more often in the first or third position in words?
Answer: the letter
What clues did you use to reach the answer?
Overconfidence
• We tend to overestimate the accuracy of our information and judgments
• Can he make the shot every time?
• Overconfidence can cause us to not do our best because we think we don’t need to practice.
Framing
• The way we ask or “frame “ a question can affect the outcome of our answer.
• Polls and surveys use this to mold responses to support their point of view.– Political polls are good examples
Confirmation Bias
• “the belief perseverance “ phenomenon• We cling to our beliefs even when contrary
evidence is available. • Example:• We still like to think that..
Activity• Work with one or two people• From the box you need to get:– A plastic bag with nails– A base with a nail in it
• You assignment is to balance ALL the nails
GOOD LUCK….and it can be done!