It seems a lot like what the Russian Scientist Altshuller [1] did and modeled as TRIZ [2]<p>There is another one very useful scientist take on problem solving (more math related) : Mr. Polya [3]<p>[1] <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&field-keywords=Altshuller&linkCode=ur2&tag=cid10-20&url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&linkId=HVGC6C2SAAGRO5NQ"" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/s/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=3...</a><p>[2] <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TRIZ" rel="nofollow">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TRIZ</a><p>[3] <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&field-keywords=polya&linkCode=ur2&tag=cid10-20&url=search-alias%3Daps&linkId=RB5HW7HUQ4RARLOA" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/s/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=3...</a>
There is something haunting about Feynman's blackboard at the time of his death. The text mentions one of the quotes, the other is "What I cannot create, I do not understand" which I assume refers to his ability to create the solution to a problem from scratch. His list of problems (and solutions?) to learn is also there (non-linear chemical hydro!?). I wonder what he would have accomplished given more time.
Great article. Love that the author put some time into the research and links.<p>Bit on Practice also dovetails nicely with a post I wrote (much less scientific in nature):<p><a href="http://scottndecker.com/blog/2014/04/25/Never-Solve-the-Same-Problem-from-Scratch-Twice/" rel="nofollow">http://scottndecker.com/blog/2014/04/25/Never-Solve-the-Same...</a>
<p><pre><code> The very last line:
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To improve problem solving, one should study solved problems, attack the problem while in different moods, and try explaining the problem to others<p><pre><code> As recapped in bold at the end by the author:
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Problem solving can be thought of as search on a graph.<p>Insight is distinguished by a change in problem representation.<p>Insight can be facilitated by active seeking of new problem representations [ie drawwing, analogies]<p>Incubation [taking breaks during working] enhances problem solving ability.<p>A night’s sleep improves problem solving ability to a considerable degree.<p>Mind-wandering [ie low effort tasks] facilitates creativity.<p>[One] should study solved problems, attack the problem while in different moods, and try explaining the problem to others
I am sorry to rain on one minor side point in a good essay. The divorce complaint from Feynman's ex wife's was quite funny and made a great point in the essay, but actually I don't think was interpreted correctly.<p>In the USA in the 1950s you couldn't have a no fault or non-acrimonious divorce; one party had to be cruel or otherwise violate the contract (e.g. have an affair), else marriage was for life.<p>So it was clear that they were making a fig leaf "complaint", and in the style of Feynman (and I presume anyone who would marry him!) they made a joke of it.
Great article overall. I like the last line in the summation.<p><i>To improve problem solving, one should study solved problems, attack the problem while in different moods, and try explaining the problem to others.</i>
Great insight in to problem solving. One thing I'm curious about is how environment plays a role whether in a high or low stress work place or social environment, etc.
Well-thought and a fine read.<p>Re: sleep and moods, though a plausible idea, suffers from a tight binding problem. This is <i>very</i> costly in terms of time invested for reaping the "aha!" moment.<p>I sat down to elaborate the reason and a possible solution, but the word count went over 1100. So, here it is in all its glory:<p><a href="https://medium.com/@vidagdha/qualitative-improvement-for-problem-solving-b9872fa2b07b" rel="nofollow">https://medium.com/@vidagdha/qualitative-improvement-for-pro...</a><p>Basically. Decouple. Please read through and feel free to comment.