COG - Biases and Errors in Thinking Lesson

Learning Target:

  • Identify problem-solving strategies as well as factors that create bias and errors in thinking. 

AP psychology course and exam description, effective fall 2020. (n.d.). https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/ap-psychology-course-and-exam-description.pdf

Problem-Solving

Problem-solving describes thinking and behavior that is directed toward attaining a goal that is not readily available. The first step in successful problem-solving is correctly identifying the problem and then creating a strategy to solve it. The strategy you select depends on the nature of the problem and the amount of time you are willing to invest.

Take a moment to review the information below for some of the most common problem-solving strategies.

Hurdles to Problem-Solving

Problem Solving HurdlesMental Set

A mental set is a tendency to fall into established thought patterns. It predisposes what we perceive and causes us to repeat solutions that have worked in the past while making us blind to new perspectives.

Functional Fixedness

Functional fixedness describes the inability to see a new or novel use for an object. By doing so it causes a mental block that prevents us from seeing the full range of what an object can do.

Confirmation Bias

The tendency to look for information that confirms our beliefs while ignoring all other facts.

Framing

Presenting a problem in a certain way can drastically change and affect the way we view it.

Creativity:

 

[CC BY 4.0] UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED | IMAGES: LICENSED AND USED ACCORDING TO TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION