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!