On Thu, Jul 14, 2011 at 2:31 PM, David Gerard <[email protected]> wrote:
> Making all the rating data publicly
> available for analysis (with no usernames or IPs attached, of course)
> is a first step. Before proposing solutions to problems in the data,
> look at the data ;-)

A sound recommendation from the psychology literature on problem
solving. To quote Eliezer Yudkowsky (
http://lesswrong.com/lw/ka/hold_off_on_proposing_solutions/ ) quoting
Robyn Dawes (_Rational Choice in an Uncertain World_) expanding Norman
R. F. Maier:

> "...when a group faces a problem, the natural tendency of its members is to 
> propose possible solutions as they begin to discuss the problem.  
> Consequently, the group interaction focuses on the merits and problems of the 
> proposed solutions, people become emotionally attached to the ones they have 
> suggested, and superior solutions are not suggested.  Maier enacted an edict 
> to enhance group problem solving: "Do not propose solutions until the problem 
> has been discussed as thoroughly as possible without suggesting any."  It is 
> easy to show that this edict works in contexts where there are objectively 
> defined good solutions to problems."

-- 
gwern
http://www.gwern.net

_______________________________________________
WikiEN-l mailing list
[email protected]
To unsubscribe from this mailing list, visit:
https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikien-l

Reply via email to