They can be used in the cognitive/problem-solving section - demonstrating
"obstacles" to problem solving. For instance, I use the "$30 problem" to
illustrate the importance of stepping back and getting a fresh perspective on the
problem:
3 men go a conference and split a hotel room that costs $30. Each pays $10.
The owner of the hotel reminds the clerk that hotel rooms are on sale for $25 that
week and to return $5 to the 3 men. The clerk doesn't know how to divide $5 by 3,
so he knocks on the door, says they are getting a discount, and gives each man $1
back and keeps $2 for himself.
The puzzle: The men started with $30. Each man ended up paying $9 for the room
(for a total of $27). The clerk kept $2. $27 + $2 = $29. Where did the extra
dollar go????
(It's verbal sleight of hand - and works only if you tell the story fast. If
you _step back_ and recast the problem logically, the mystery goes away. The men
paid out $27 - $25 goes to the hotel and $2 to the clerk. Or, start with $30 and
say $25 to hotel, $3 back as refund, $2 to clerk Either way, problem goes away. It
ties in nicely with what most Intro books say about restructuring problems).
Matthew Raney wrote:
> > I am not saying this as a criticism of the recent discussion. But frankly I
> > have always hated brain teasers. It makes me just cringe to see them. For
> > instance, I read all of Discover magazine except for the last page, which is
> > a brain teaser... And I consider myself a problem-solver! Wonder why I
> > dislike them so much? What does this say about me as an instructor? Couldn't
> > stand comic strips too.
> >
> > Molly Straight, MA
>
> Molly's reaction struck a cord with me, in that I have been wondering what
> the instructional use of brain teasers would be? I will (hopefully) be
> teaching an Intro Psych course here at UNC next year, and had thought of
> using the previous hat brain teaser, but couldn't think of what it would
> be used to demonstrate. Any suggestions/ideas?
--
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John W. Kulig [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Department of Psychology http://oz.plymouth.edu
Plymouth State College tel: (603) 535-2468
Plymouth NH USA 03264 fax: (603) 535-2412
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"The only rational way of educating is to be an example - if
one can't help it, a warning example." A. Einstein, 1934.
