Question

In the bookworm problem, which heuristic is more effective than the group who relies on algebra alone? a) working backwards

b) mental model
c) analogies
d) means end analysis
e) brute force approach

Answer 1

In the bookworm problem, the 'working backward' heuristic is often more effective than relying solely on algebra, as it involves starting from the end goal and working backwards to find a solution.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the context of the bookworm problem, one effective heuristic that can be more efficient than relying solely on algebra is working backward. Heuristics are mental shortcuts that provide a general problem-solving framework, allowing individuals to find solutions faster than with algorithms, which are step-by-step procedures. When using the working backward heuristic, a person starts with the end goal in mind and works in reverse to determine the necessary steps to reach that goal. This can be particularly useful for complex problems when the path to the solution is not immediately clear from the starting point. It helps in identifying the knowns and unknowns, and in checking if the answer is reasonable.