99.9k views
2 votes
Experts are better than novices at problem solving in general due to their inclination to use analogies.

a) True
b) False

User Drizzie
by
8.3k points

1 Answer

7 votes

Final answer:

Experts use domain-specific heuristics for problem-solving, which doesn't generalize to all areas. Experimentation is necessary in science, with larger samples being preferred, and theories do not become laws over time. Informational social influence occurs when the answer is unclear or a group has expertise.

Step-by-step explanation:

It is false that experts are better than novices at problem solving in general due to their inclination to use analogies. While experts do have a more developed skill set and have often internalized many heuristics and patterns within their field, this does not mean they are universal problem solvers. Expertise in one area does not automatically confer superior problem-solving skills in all areas. The assertion that experience allows experts to use heuristics to effectively solve complex problems is true; however, this expertise is domain-specific and not necessarily transferable to unrelated problems.

Another point to consider is the role of experimentation in science. It is true that experiments allow scientists to make cause-and-effect claims. However, not all experiments can be done on humans due to ethical considerations, and when designing experiments, larger sample sizes are generally preferred to smaller ones because they tend to yield more statistically significant results.

When discussing scientific theories and their evolution, it is false that when a theory has been known for a long time, it necessarily becomes a law. Theories and laws serve different purposes in science. A theory provides a comprehensive explanation of some aspect of nature that is supported by a vast body of evidence, while a law is a description, often in mathematical terms, of how elements of nature will behave under certain specific conditions. Both are well-supported, but their roles are distinct.

Heuristics are mental shortcuts that allow people to solve problems quickly and efficiently. While experts use them effectively within their field, novices should be cautious as their heuristics are often underdeveloped and can lead to errors.

In situations where the answer is unclear or a group has expertise, informational social influence is more likely to occur as individuals look to the behavior of others to guide their own actions.

User Adnauseam
by
8.9k points