Personal Career and Financial Security Ch 2

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Questions and Answers

What is the term used to describe the process of adopting a new model after discarding an old one?

Paradigm shift (correct)
Model evolution
Framework transition
Conceptual change

Why are models considered important in understanding the world?

They provide definitive answers to all questions.
They eliminate the need for testing.
They are infallible representations of reality.
They match incoming data against established understandings. (correct)

What happens when a person lacks a mental model in a specific situation?

They have difficulty determining what is important. (correct)
They can still understand the situation clearly.
They will always guess correctly.
They can intuitively solve the problem.

What are the three systems to check when a gasoline engine does not start, according to the content?

Fuel, air, and electricity (A)

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In the example of sleepwalking used in the content, how does one determine where they are?

By matching new data against their mental model (B)

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What do the words 'models are rugged' imply in the context provided?

Models can withstand challenges and still be useful. (C)

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When facing a complex situation, what is a critical aspect of building models?

They can evolve through experience and testing. (A)

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What is a consequence of not having a model when the car won’t start?

Understanding what to check in the engine. (B)

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What is the primary purpose of creating mental models?

To comprehend and interpret sensory data. (D)

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Which of the following statements best captures the nature of models?

Models simplify complex realities to aid understanding. (D)

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Flashcards

Mental Model

A mental picture of how something works, used to understand and explain the world.

Paradigm Shift

A shift from one way of thinking to another, often due to new information or understanding.

Matching Data Against Models

The process of comparing incoming information to our existing mental model.

Models are Rugged

The ability of mental models to adapt and change as we gather new information.

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Models (or Paradigms)

A mental picture of how something works, used to understand and explain the world. Often referred to as paradigms.

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Sleepwalking Example

A situation where we use our existing knowledge to make sense of an unfamiliar scenario.

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Car Not Starting

The process of using our mental models to identify and solve problems.

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Understanding How Things Work

The key to solving problems effectively.

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Making Sense of Things

The process of using our mental models to make sense of the world and solve problems.

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Importance of Mental Models

The importance of having a mental model to guide decision-making. Without it, we may focus on irrelevant information.

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Study Notes

Building Mental Models

Mental models are internal representations of how the world works; sometimes called paradigms.
Paradigm shifts occur when individuals replace outdated models with new ones.
Models are crucial for understanding and making sense of the world. They are robust but not infallible.
We constantly use models to analyze incoming data, enabling us to understand situations.

Example: Sleepwalking

Imagine waking up in the dark and sleepwalking.
Touching the refrigerator prompts using an internal model of the house, leading to knowing the current location.
Use of the model allows for navigation and solving the situation.

Example: Car Breakdown

When a car fails to start, it triggers a problem-solving process based on a model of how the car's engine works.
The model identifies three possible causes: fuel, air, or electricity shortage.
Without this model, diagnosing the problem becomes difficult.

Model Transferability

Models built for one particular type of structure (e.g., a Toyota) can be applied to similar structures (e.g., Volkswagen, Ford) when the fundamental principles are compatible.

Importance of Model Improvement

Continuous improvement of models is crucial.
Improved models lead to more efficient problem-solving.
Focusing efforts based on models helps avoid pointless actions (e.g. checking tire pressure instead of fuel).