Problem Solving And Decision Making Chapter 8

Definition Problem solving refers to active efforts to discover what must be done to achieve a goal that is not readily attainable.

Types of Problems (Greeno) Problems of Inducing Structure Problems of Arrangement Problems of Transformation

Approaches to Problem Solving Trial & Error Heuristics Forming Subgoals (Tower of Hanoi) Working Backwards (Water Lilies) Using Analogies (Tumor) Reenvisioning the Problem

Barriers to Effective Problem Solving Irrelevant (Distracting) Information Functional Fixedness (Screw Driver) Mental Set Unnecessary Constraints

Decision Making Two types of decisions Making choices (selecting among alternatives) Taking chances (deciding amidst uncertainty)

Selecting Among Alternatives Strategies Additive Subtractive (Elimination of Aspects)

Making “Risky” Decisions Risky Decisions (Tversky & Kahneman) Factors Influencing Risky Decisions Using Probabilities Expected Value Subjective Utility Factors that Affect Probability Estimates Heuristics Availability Representativeness Ignoring Base Rates The Conjunction Fallacy Alternative Outcomes Effect Framing the Question

Humans as Decision Makers Classic View Irrational Prone to errors & mistakes Mentally limited Evolutionary View Specialized cognition is adaptive Rational Fast and Frugal heuristics work Dual Process Theories Intuitive Thinking Rational Thinking

Reducing Regret after Decisions $20 Told next person tasks were fun and interesting Cognitive Dissonance Theory Asked how much they enjoyed experiment Boring Tasks Told next person tasks were fun and interesting $1

Making Decisions in Groups Group Polarization Groupthink

Group Polarization Group Polarization- tendency to shift toward more extreme positions after group discussion Risky Cautious Neutral

Groupthink Groupthink- syndrome of bad decision-making 12.17 4 12 13