Module 35: Solving Problems and Making Decisions

FRQ Name and define two problem-solving strategies. Next, explain an advantage each has over the other.

(1 point) An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure that guarantees a solution. (1 point) A heuristic is a simple thinking strategy that often allows us to make quick judgments. (1 point) Algorithm advantage: More likely to produce a correct solution. ( 1 point) Heuristic advantage: Often faster than using an algorithm.

(35-1) What cognitive strategies assist our problem solving, and what obstacles hinder it?

An algorithm is a methodical, logical rule or procedure (such as a step-by-step description for evacuating a building during a fire) that guarantees a solution to a problem. A heuristic is a simpler strategy (such as running for an exit if you smell smoke) that is usually speedier than an algorithm but is also more error-prone. Insight is not a strategy-based solution, but rather a sudden flash of inspiration that solves a problem. Obstacles to problem solving include confirmation bias, which predisposes us to verify rather than challenge our hypotheses, and fixation, such as mental set, which may prevent us from taking the fresh perspective that would lead to a solution.

(35-2) What is intuition, and how can the representativeness and availability heuristics, overconfidence, belief perseverance, and framing influence our decisions and judgments?

Intuition is the effortless, immediate, automatic feeling or thoughts we often use instead of systematic reasoning. Heuristics enable snap judgments. The representativeness heuristic leads us to judge the likelihood of things in terms of how they represent our prototype for a group of items. Using the availability heuristic, we judge the likelihood of things based on how readily they come to mind, which often leads us to fear the wrong things. Overconfidence can lead us to overestimate the accuracy of our beliefs. When a belief we have formed and explained has been discredited, belief perseverance may cause us to cling to that belief. A remedy for belief perseverance is to consider how we might have explained an opposite result. Framing is the way a question or statement is worded. Subtle wording differences can dramatically alter our responses.

Explain how each of the following can lead to inaccurate judgments: overconfidence, mental set, and confirmation bias. (3 points)

Overconfidence makes us more confident than correct. Mental set prevents us from learning new perspectives for solutions. Confirmation bias makes us ignore contradictory evidence

(35-3) How do smart thinkers use intuition?

Smart thinkers welcome their intuitions (which are usually adaptive), but when making complex decisions they gather as much information as possible and then take time to let their two-track mind process all available information. As people gain expertise, they grow adept at making quick, shrewd judgments.

heuristic

a simple thinking strategy that often allows us to make judgments and solve problems efficiently; faster/more error prone than algorithms

insight

a sudden realization of a problem's solution; contrasts with strategy based solutions

mental set

a tendency to approach a problem in one particular way, often a way that has been successful in the past

Which of the following is the tendency to search for supportive information of preconceptions while ignoring contradictory evidence? a. Confirmation bias b. Intuition c. Mental set d. Availability heuristic e. Overconfidence

a. Confirmation bias

intuition

an effortless, immediate, automatic feeling or thought, as contrasted with explicit, conscious reasoning

What is another term for a methodical, logical rule that guarantees solving a particular problem? a. Heuristic b. Algorithm c. Insight d. Mental set e. Confirmation bias

b. Algorithm

What is another word for the way an issue is presented to you? a. Intuition b. Insight c. Framing d. Overconfidence e. Perseverance

c. Framing

belief perseverance

clinging to one's initial conceptions after the basis on which they were formed has been discredited

When instances come readily to mind, we often presume such events are common. What of the following is the term for this phenomenon? a. Intuition insight b. Confirmation bias c. Belief perseverance d. Mental set e. Availability heuristic

e. Availability heuristic

availability heuristic

estimating the likelihood of events based on their availability in memory; if instances come readily to mind (due to vivdness) we presume such events are common

representativeness heuristic

judging the likelihood of things in terms of how well they match particular prototypes; may lead us to ignore other relevant information

algorithms

methodical, logical rule or procedure that guarantees solving a particular problem

overconfidence

tendency to be more confident than correct (overestimate accuracy)

confirmation bias

tendency to search for info that supports our preconceptions and to ignore distort contradictory evidence

framing

the way an issue is posed; how an issue is framed can affect decisions/judgments