Personal Career and Financial Security Ch 2

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• Paradigm shifts occur when individuals replace outdated models with new ones.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).