Hi Class,

Let's discuss working memory in order to solve problems. It is the ability of having memory and using it that provides humans with the ability to engage in more sophisticated problem solving. The two main theories of research into problem solving involve 1.) Solving problems with the use of memory (as you've discussed below) 2.) General problem solving routines using processes and operators. The latter is more difficult to study because in order to study something that does not rely on memory you would need to use unfamiliar problems. Explore our readings further in order to discover the types of studies used to identify how we problem solve without using our memories.

Operators are processes that an be applied to a problem to change the way it is configured (to assist in solving). How do we select operators? One of the methods to select operators is by Brute Force. Brute force is a search that examines each possible answer until you determine the correct answer. An example of brute force would be if you played "hangman" or "wheel of fortune" and the only strategy you utilized was to guess each letter alphabetically until you were out of letters and the word was solved. One can see an advantage in this would be accuracy, but what about a disadvantage? What do you think, or what did you discover would be a disadvantage of using brute force as a problem solving method?