Decision-Making and Problem-Solving | Psychology

Summary

This video explores the cognitive processes of problem-solving and decision-making. It contrasts deductive and inductive reasoning, explains logical approaches like trial and error, and introduces heuristics, which are mental shortcuts that simplify decisions. The script also discusses biases that influence judgments, such as the fundamental attribution error and confirmation bias. It highlights two types of thinking: fast, intuitive system 1 and slow, analytical system 2. Additionally, it touches on the impact of framing effects and mental barriers like functional fixedness that hinder effective problem-solving.

Takeaways

• 😀 Problem-solving is the mental activity people engage in to reach a goal, while decision-making involves evaluating alternatives and choosing a course of action.
• 😀 Deductive reasoning starts with a hypothesis and tests it against evidence (e.g., 'All birds have feathers; Cardinals are birds; therefore, Cardinals have feathers').
• 😀 Inductive reasoning begins with observations and concludes with a generalization or hypothesis (e.g., allergic reactions to shellfish lead to the conclusion of a shellfish allergy).
• 😀 Logical problem-solving approaches, such as trial and error or algorithms, can be time-consuming but effective when guided by step-by-step logic.
• 😀 Heuristics are mental shortcuts people use to simplify decision-making, but they may lead to biases.
• 😀 The affect heuristic describes decisions based on emotions, like perceiving a medical procedure as riskier when it triggers fear, despite identical odds of side-effects.
• 😀 The availability heuristic involves relying on easily available information, such as assuming there are more words starting with 'K' because it's easier to recall them.
• 😀 The representative heuristic involves making assumptions about individuals based on mental prototypes, like stereotypes based on race, gender, or class.
• 😀 Cognitive biases, such as the fundamental attribution error and actor-observer effect, affect how people judge behaviors based on character or context.
• 😀 System 1 thinking involves fast, intuitive decision-making, while System 2 thinking requires slow, analytical reasoning, but System 1 often leads decision-making.
• 😀 The way a problem is framed can greatly influence decision-making, such as consumers being more likely to purchase a product labeled '90% fat-free' than one labeled '10% fat.'

Q & A

What is the difference between problem-solving and decision-making?

Problem-solving refers to the mental activity people undertake to reach a goal, whereas decision-making involves evaluating alternatives and choosing a course of action.

How does deductive reasoning work?

Deductive reasoning begins with an assumption or hypothesis, which is then tested against possible evidence. For example, if all birds have feathers and Cardinals are birds, then Cardinals must have feathers.

What is inductive reasoning, and how does it differ from deductive reasoning?

Inductive reasoning starts with observations and ends with a generalization or hypothesis. For example, if a person breaks out in hives every time they eat shellfish, they may conclude they are allergic to shellfish. This contrasts with deductive reasoning, which starts with a general premise.

What is trial and error in problem-solving?

Trial and error is a problem-solving method where people try different approaches until they find the correct solution. It's an experimental process that often takes time but can lead to effective solutions.

What are heuristics in decision-making?

Heuristics are mental shortcuts that simplify decision-making by replacing a difficult question with an easier one, often based on intuition or unconscious information processing.

Can you explain the affect heuristic with an example?

The affect heuristic involves making decisions based on emotions rather than a reasoned evaluation of risks and rewards. For example, people may avoid a medical procedure that has a 3 in 10 chance of side effects, even if it has the same actual odds as a procedure with a 7 in 10 chance of being side-effect free.

What is the availability heuristic, and how does it influence decisions?

The availability heuristic is when people rely on easily available information to make decisions rather than considering all available data. For example, people might assume there are more English words starting with 'K' than words with 'K' as the third letter, simply because it's easier to think of words starting with 'K'.

How do the representative and availability heuristics differ?

The representative heuristic involves making assumptions based on mental prototypes or stereotypes, such as assuming someone's traits based on their group membership. The availability heuristic relies on the most readily available information, like recalling more words starting with 'K' due to ease of memory retrieval.

What is functional fixedness, and how can it hinder problem-solving?

Functional fixedness is the inability to recognize that an object can be used in non-traditional ways. For example, using a wrench as a paperweight or doorstop. It limits creative thinking and can hinder the discovery of alternative solutions.

What is the difference between System 1 and System 2 thinking?

System 1 thinking is fast, intuitive, and often guided by unconscious biases or heuristics, leading to quick judgments. System 2 thinking is slower, more analytical, and used for complex decisions. People tend to rely more on System 1 thinking in everyday life.