STRATEGIES FOR PROBLEM SOLVING
ATHULYA R SEM 2 BATCH 2 KRISTU JYOTHI COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT AND
TECHNOLOGY
Table of content
Trails and means to end Backward
Algorithms Heuristics
errors analysis search
Trails and •
Errors • Trail and error is also known as mechanical solution
•
• Trial and error involves trying different approaches to solve a
problem until the correct solution is found.
• This method is associated with the behaviorist approach and
is highlighted in the work of Edward Thorndike, who
studied animal learning through trial and error.
Algorithms • An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure for solving certain types
of problems .
• It’s a systematic approach to problem-solving that guarantees a
solution if followed correctly.
• Algorithms are used in various fields, including computer science,
mathematics, and everyday life.
• There are many different examples of how algorithms can be used
in daily life. Some common ones include
• A recipe for cooking a particular dish.
• The method a search engine uses to find information on
the internet
• Instructions for how to solve a Rubik’s cube.
Means to end
analysis • The idea of problem solving by means-ends analysis was
introduced in 1972 by American computer scientists Allen
Newell and Herbert A. Simon in their book Human
Problem solving .
• Means-End Analysis is a simple problem-solving tool that
you can use to solve well-defined problems, and to kick-
start the planning stage of a new project
• Next, make a list of the obstacles that are standing in the way
of your goal state, and create sub-goals that will guide you
in overcoming all those obstacles.
• Finally, take action on your analysis.
• An educated guess based on prior experience that help narrow down the
Heuristics possible solution for a problem.Also known as a “ rule of thumb “.
• Heuristics are mental shortcuts that allow people to solve problems and
make judgments quickly and efficiently.
• Nobel-prize winning economist and cognitive psychologist Herbert
Simon originally introduced the concept of heuristics in psychology in
the 1950s.
• There are many heuristics examples in everyday life. When trying to
decide if you should drive or ride the bus to work, for instance, you
might remember that there is road construction along the bus route.
You realize that this might slow the bus and cause you to be late for
work. So you leave earlier and drive to work on an alternate route
•
Types of Heuristics
Availability Representative
heuristics heuristics
Availability • Availablity heuristics which is based on our estimation of the
heuristics frequency or likelihood of an event based on how easy is it to recall
relevant information from memory or how easy it is for us to think of
related examples
• The availability heuristics impacts our judgement based on how easy is
to bring an example to mind , not the of what we recall
• For example, if you are thinking of flying and suddenly think of a
number of recent airline accidents those examples of air disasters
came to mind so easily, the availability heuristic leads you to think
that plane crashes are more common than they really are.
Representative • Representative heuristics is used for
heuristics categorizing objects and simple assume
that any object or person that share
characteristics with the members of a
particular category is also a member of
that category.
An example of a representativeness heuristic is
thinking that because someone is wearing a suit
and tie and carrying a briefcase, that they must
be a lawyer, because they look like the
stereotype of a lawyer.
Backward search • Backward search problem-solving strategies involve starting
from the end goal and working backward to determine the
steps needed to achieve that goal.
• This approach is often used in areas like mathematics,
computer science, and decision-making.
• example of backward search
– Graduating from college: Begin with receiving your
diploma. Work backward by completing required
courses, passing exams, submitting assignments,
attending classes, and applying for graduation.
P S Y C H O L O G Y, 6 E B Y
Reference SUNDARA K. CICCARELLI, J.
NOLAND WHITE AND
G I R I S H WA R M I S R A
