I came across a discussion group yesterday (9/4/10) that included three questions that were in the opinion of that discussion’s author correlated with our problem solving abilities – say a few generations ago compared with today.
For brevity, one was on profit or loss in buying stocks, secondly related to the productivity of hens with their eggs, and thirdly answering the question of how many people are in a gathering when all shake hands with each other – 66-handshakes being given.
The matter of stocks centered on whether percentage gains and losses were stated compared to the basis or compared to latest market value.
The second regarding chickens centered on production rates where mixed fractions of chickens produced mixed fractions of eggs in mixed fractions of days and then how many chickens are needed to meet a production goal some days later.
The third question hinged on definition of a handshake count mechanism. Such as, if I shake your hand does that count as you shaking my hand? Sounds silly, but only exactly 12 in room will get you to 66-handshakes if this unspecified count mechanism is assumed.
My observations are:
These are questions with more than one answer possible, depending on assumptions made by the problem solver.
Each such set of answers to the puzzle are explainable given the approach of the problem solver.
My general claim is we are not willing to simply state that these questions deal with ambiguity, and leave it there as a waste of time to continue.
In a sense, this stuff in my opinion appeals to the mindset of those who have to figure it out. Some of us view this as a curiosity and immediately move on. Then there may be those who waste some time on these puzzles to see if there is really any insights to be gained.
I suppose I am in the third court. Yes, some insights were gained, but was it worth the time to think it through and make note of it?
My answer is no.
Opinion: Incidentally, our problem solving abilities haven’t materially changed over the years. We just don’t invest as much time in these pursuits than I noted earlier in my life, say, where people routinely filled in crossword puzzles while out in public, using an ink pen. I always used ink, as pencil didn’t show well on the newsprint. Smile….
cajrtodd
