Strategies
Analogy Approach
Drawing parallels between the current problem and similar problems encountered in the past
Unique Differences
Variations in cognitive abilities, such as intelligence and memory, that influence problem-solving skills
Confirmation Bias
Tendency to search for, interpret, or remember information in a way that confirms one's preconceptions or belief
Working Backwards
Starting from the desired outcome and working backward to identify the steps needed to achieve it
Knowledge and Expertise
Influence of prior knowledge and expertise in a specific domain
Mental Set
Tendency to approach problems with a fixed mindset, relying on familiar strategies even when they may not be effective
Decomposition
Breaking down a complex problem into smaller, more manageable parts
Problem Representation
How a problem is mentally structured or represented
Functional Fixedness
Inability to see alternative uses for objects beyond their traditional functions
Subgoal Analysis
Setting intermediate goals or subgoals to progress towards solving a larger problem
Social & Environmental Context
Influence of social interactions and environmental factors
Availability Heuristic
Mental shortcuts are where individuals make judgments based on ease of mind.
Simulation
Mentally simulating potential outcomes or scenarios to evaluate the effectiveness of different solutions
Cultural Influences
Impact of cultural norms, values, and beliefs
Anchoring & Adjustment Heaurtic
Individuals rely heavily on the initial piece of information when making judgments