Question

Identify the strategy used in each of the following examples. Choose from: trial and error, algorithm, heuristic, insight, representativeness heuristic, availability heuristic, and single-feature model. After seeing news reports about a teenager being killed in a freak accident on a roller coaster, Angela refuses to allow her son to go to an amusement park with his friends.

Short answer

Angela used the availability heuristic in her decision-making process.

Step-by-step solution

1. Trial and Error

This approach involves testing multiple potential solutions until finding one that works. The choice of a solution in this process is often random. It doesn't seem that Angela used trial and error because she didn't try different solutions before deciding to disallow her son from going to the amusement park.

2. Algorithm

An algorithm is a sequence of specific, step-by-step instructions used to solve a problem. It requires a systematic and logical approach to problem-solving. Angela's decision seems impulsive and not based on a structured set of steps, so she isn't using an algorithm.

3. Heuristic

Heuristics are mental shortcuts or "rule of thumb" strategies used to solve problems quickly and efficiently. There are different types of heuristics, and Angela might be using one of these types.

4. Insight

Insight refers to an abrupt, often intuitive understanding of a problem that leads to an immediate solution. Angela's decision doesn't seem to be based on a genuine understanding of the situation, so it is not based on insight.

5. Representativeness Heuristic

This type of heuristic involves estimating the probability of something occurring based on how similar its features are to those of a reference group or prototype. Angela doesn't seem to be comparing the accident to any reference group, so she's not using the representativeness heuristic.

6. Availability Heuristic

Availability heuristic involves estimating the likelihood of an event happening based on how easily examples of the event come to mind. In this case, after seeing the news report, Angela fears that her son may face the same fate, which leads to her decision of not allowing her son to go to the amusement park. This is the strategy Angela uses in making her decision.

7. Single-feature Model

This strategy involves making decisions based on only one important factor or feature. While it's possible that Angela is mostly focusing on the danger factor, the decision seems to be better explained by the availability heuristic. To summarize, the strategy used by Angela in her decision-making process is the #tag_answer#availability heuristic#tag_answer#. It involves estimating the risk of a roller coaster accident based on the recent news report and fear, even though the chances of such accident happening again may be low.

Key concepts

Availability Heuristic

The availability heuristic is a mental shortcut where people estimate the likelihood of an event based on how readily examples of it come to mind. This can often lead to skewed perceptions. For instance, Angela's decision to stop her son from going to an amusement park was influenced by a news report about a rare roller coaster accident. Because the event was vivid and recent, she perceived it as more likely to happen, even though it was statistically unlikely. This kind of thinking helps individuals make quick decisions without needing detailed research, but it can sometimes lead to biased judgments.

Heuristics

Heuristics are simple, efficient rules used to make decisions or solve problems quickly. Often described as mental shortcuts, heuristics allow people to function without having to spend excessive time thinking about complex problems. There are several types of heuristics, including the availability heuristic, which Angela used. By using heuristics, people can make fast decisions but sometimes at the cost of accuracy and reliability. While this strategy is efficient in many cases, it’s important to be aware of its limitations in understanding and perceiving events.

Decision Making

Decision making involves choosing between different courses of action or solutions. It can vary from simple decisions, like what to eat, to complex ones, like those involving significant risk or uncertainty. People use various strategies to assist in decision making, such as heuristics, algorithms, or trial and error methods. In Angela's case, the decision was influenced by the availability heuristic, allowing her to quickly decide based on the immediate fear invoked by the news. Although this strategy can speed up decision making, it is crucial to balance quick judgments with more thoughtful analysis to avoid potential pitfalls.

Problem-Solving

Problem-solving is the process of finding solutions to difficult or complex issues. People rely on different methods to solve problems effectively. These can include structured approaches like algorithms or more spontaneous methods using heuristics. Understanding the problem context and used strategies can significantly influence the outcome. Angela’s scenario showcases a heuristic approach to problem-solving, which can lead to fast results but might not always provide the best outcome. Cultivating awareness of different strategies and their implications can enhance problem-solving skills, helping to achieve better solutions in diverse situations.