When
solving a problem, choosing the right approach is often the key to arriving at the best solution. In psychology, one of these problem-solving
approaches is known as an algorithm. While often thought of purely as a mathematical term, the same type of process can be followed in psychology to find the correct answer when solving a problem or making a decision. Show
What Is an Algorithm in Psychology?An algorithm is a defined set of step-by-step procedures that provides the correct answer to a particular problem. By following the instructions correctly, you are guaranteed to arrive at the right answer. An algorithm is often expressed in the form of a graph, where a square represents each step. Arrows then branch off from each step to point to possible directions that you may take to solve the problem. In some cases, you must follow a particular set of steps to solve the problem. In other instances, you might be able to follow different paths that will all lead to the same solution. This article discusses how algorithms are used as an approach to problem-solving. It also covers how psychologists compare this approach to other ways to solve problems. Examples of AlgorithmsThere are many different examples of how algorithms can be used in daily life. Some common ones include:
Reasons to Use Algorithms in PsychologyThe upside of using an algorithm to solve a problem or make a decision is that yields the best possible answer every time. There are situations where using an algorithm can be the best approach:
Potential Pitfalls When Using AlgorithmsThe downside of using an algorithm to solve the problem is that this process tends to be very time-consuming. So if you face a situation where a decision needs to be made very quickly, you might be better off using a different problem-solving strategy. For example, an emergency room doctor making a decision about how to treat a patient could use an algorithm approach. However, this would be very time-consuming and treatment needs to be implemented quickly. In this instance, the doctor would instead rely on their expertise and past experiences to very quickly choose what they feel is the right treatment approach. RecapAlgorithms can be a great problem-solving choice when the answer needs to be 100% accurate or when each decision needs to follow the same process. A different approach might be needed if speed is the primary concern. Algorithms vs. Heuristics In psychology, algorithms are frequently contrasted with
heuristics. Both can be useful when problem-solving, but it is important to understand the differences between them. What Is a Heuristic?A heuristic is a mental shortcut that allows people to quickly make judgments and solve problems. These mental shortcuts are typically informed by our past experiences and allow us to act quickly. However, heuristics are really more of a rule-of-thumb; they don't always guarantee a correct solution. So how do you determine when to use a heuristic and when to use an algorithm? When problem-solving, deciding which method to use depends on the need for either accuracy or speed. When to Use an AlgorithmIf complete accuracy is required, it is best to use an algorithm. By using an algorithm, accuracy is increased and potential mistakes are minimized. If you are working in a situation where you absolutely need the correct or best possible
answer, your best bet is to use an algorithm. When you are solving problems for your math homework, you don't want to risk your grade on a guess. By following an algorithm, you can ensure that you will arrive at the correct answer to each problem. When to Use a HeuristicOn the other hand, if time is an issue, then it may be best to use a heuristic. Mistakes may occur, but this approach allows for speedy decisions when time is of the essence. Heuristics are more commonly used in everyday situations, such as figuring out the best route to get from point A to point B. While you could use an algorithm to map out every possible route and determine which one would be the fastest, that would be a very time-consuming process. Instead, your best option would be to use a route that you know has worked well in the past. A Word From VerywellPsychologists who study problem-solving have described two main processes that people utilize to reach conclusions: algorithms and heuristics. Knowing which approach to use is important because these two methods can vary in terms of speed and accuracy. While each situation is
unique, you may want to use an algorithm when being accurate is the primary concern. But if time is of the essence, then an algorithm is likely not the best choice. By Kendra Cherry
Thanks for your feedback! What is the ability to solve problems algorithmically?Algorithmic thinking, then, is the construction of an algorithm, or step-by-step process for solving a problem and similar problems. This solution, by definition, should be replicable by humans or computers.
Which of the following best explains the ability to solve problems algorithmically ?'?Which of the following best explains the ability to solve problems algorithmically? Any problem can be solved algorithmically, though some algorithmic solutions may require humans to validate the results.
Which of the following best explains why is it not possible for computers to solve every problem?Which of the following best explains why it is not possible to use computers to solve every problem? Current computer processing capabilities cannot improve significantly. Large-scale problems require a crowdsourcing model, which is limited by the number of people available to work on the problem.
Which of the following best describes a challenge involved in using a parallel computing solution?Which of the following best describes a challenge involved in using a parallel computing solution? A parallel computing solution may not be appropriate for an algorithm in which each step requires the output from the preceding steps.
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