A “rule of thumb” is an example of a heuristic. You can think of these as mental shortcuts that are used to solve problems. While an algorithm must be followed exactly to produce a correct result, a heuristic is a general problem-solving framework (Tversky & Kahneman, 1974). Can you identify other situations in which algorithms are used? A heuristic is another type of problem solving strategy. Facebook also uses algorithms to decide which posts to display on your newsfeed.
When you run a search on the Internet, search engines like Google use algorithms to decide which entries will appear first in your list of results. Algorithms are used frequently in our everyday lives, especially in computer science. You can think of an algorithm as a recipe with highly detailed instructions that produce the same result every time they are performed. An algorithm is a problem-solving formula that provides you with step-by-step instructions used to achieve a desired outcome (Kahneman, 2011). Working backwards breaking a task into stepsĪnother type of strategy is an algorithm.
Instruction booklet for assembling your new desk from Ikea Restarting phone, turning off WiFi, turning off bluetooth in order to determine why your phone is malfunctioning Table 1: Problem solving strategies MethodĬontinue trying different solutions until problem is solved Although trial and error is not typically one of the most time-efficient strategies, it is a commonly used one. When using trial and error, you would continue to try different solutions until you solved your problem. Or maybe the printer isn’t actually connected to your laptop. In terms of your broken printer, you could try checking the ink levels, and if that doesn’t work, you could check to make sure the paper tray isn’t jammed. The old adage, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again” describes trial and error. For example, a well-known strategy is trial and error. Different strategies have different action plans associated with them (see Table 1). After that, one of many problem solving strategies can be applied, hopefully resulting in a solution.Ī problem-solving strategy is a plan of action used to find a solution. When you are presented with a problem-whether it is a complex mathematical problem or a broken printer, how do you solve it? Before finding a solution to the problem, the problem must first be clearly identified. Note: Once you have attempted all 10 sample problems, scroll to the bottom of this page to check the solutions. If you increase the number of discs to 4 or 5 you will notice that the problem becomes significantly more challenging (and requires significantly more moves to solve). Click on the following link to attempt to solve this problem using just 3 discs. J. A famous example of a problem of transformation involves the well-known Tower of Hanoi problem. You have an unlimited supply of water and you may pour water into or out of either jug. Imagine that you have been given a 5 gallon jug and a 3 gallon jug and have been instructed to obtain precisely 4 gallons. On the other hand, a problem that does not have have a single, correct answer is referred to as ill-defined problem. Consider the difference between these two examples: Types of ProblemsĪ problem that has clear starting point and a correct solution is referred to as well-defined problem. What should you do? First, you need to identify the type of problem and then apply a strategy for solving the problem. You finished the report last night, but your printer will not work today. The report is time-sensitive and must be sent overnight. For example, say you have a work deadline, and you must mail a printed copy of a report to your supervisor by the end of the business day. Sometimes, however, the problems we encounter are more complex. Sometimes these problems are straightforward: To double a recipe for pizza dough, for example, all that is required is that each ingredient in the recipe be doubled. People face problems every day-usually, multiple problems throughout the day. Experience some of the biases through sample decisions.Develop strategies for making better decisions.Understand the systematic biases that affect our judgment and decision making.Explain some common roadblocks to effective problem solving.By the end of this topic you will be able to:
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