Problem Solving, Thinking, and Intelligence
The article describes a few common biases that are important to be aware of. Go through the brief quiz at the end and see how you do. If you miss any questions, go back and re-read that section. Think about how you might apply the concepts in that section so that the ideas will make sense and stick with you. Work through the "Personal
Application Question:" Which types of bias do you recognize in your decision-making processes? How has this bias affected how you've made decisions in the past, and how can you use your awareness of it to improve your decisions making skills in
the future?
Consider a specific time when you showed bias in coming to a conclusion about a person or event. How did you realize your thinking process was biased? How can you use this knowledge to avoid making this type of biased decision in the future?
Review Questions
A specific formula for solving a problem is called ________.
- an algorithm
- a heuristic
- a mental set
- trial and error
A mental shortcut in the form of a general problem-solving framework is called ________.
- an algorithm
- a heuristic
- a mental set
- trial and error
Which type of bias involves becoming fixated on a single trait of a problem?
- anchoring bias
- confirmation bias
- representative bias
- availability bias
Which type of bias involves relying on a false stereotype to make a decision?
- anchoring bias
- confirmation bias
- representative bias
- availability bias