Cognitive Reflection Test Problem Decomposition Strategies 4

Question 1

Which of the following best describes a 'divide and conquer' decomposition approach?

Accepted Answer

Split into subproblems, solve each, then merge results

Answer

Divide and conquer splits, solves, and merges sub-solutions.

Question 2

You have 3 boxes: apples, oranges, and mixed, all mislabeled. Decomposing the logic, how many fruits must you draw to relabel all correctly?

Accepted Answer

One, from the box labeled 'mixed'

Answer

Since all are mislabeled, one draw from the 'mixed' box reveals its true type and forces the rest.

Question 3

What is the risk of decomposing a problem into sub-parts that are NOT truly independent?

Accepted Answer

Solving one part may invalidate the solution to another

Answer

Hidden coupling means changes in one sub-solution can break another.

Question 4

In the cognitive reflection framework, why do people fail the widget-and-box style problems?

Accepted Answer

They accept the intuitive first answer without decomposing it

Answer

The intuitive System-1 answer feels right, so people skip the deliberate decomposition.

Question 5

Which technique reduces a large problem by repeatedly applying the same decomposition to smaller instances?

Accepted Answer

Recursion

Answer

Recursion solves a problem by reducing it to smaller instances of itself.

Cognitive Reflection Test Practice Test