Information Overload & Problem Solving

• A mind saturated with information tackles a problem by focusing on relevant data.
• If the information is adequate, a solution arises.
• Research often involves insufficient information, hindering the generation of original ideas.
• An abundance of information can obstruct the mind's ability to produce novel concepts.
• False information can severely impede the development of new and effective ideas.
• Read critically, strive to maintain independence of mind, and avoid becoming conventionalized.
• Too much reading is a handicap mainly to people who have the wrong attitude of mind.
• Freshness of outlook and originality need not suffer if reading is used to stimulate thinking and a person is engaged in active research.
• It is a serious handicap to investigate a problem in ignorance of what is already known about it.
• A common mistake is believing everything that is read and not distinguishing between results and the author's interpretation.
• Read to weigh and consider, not to contradict, refute, believe, or take for granted.
• Correlate what is read with knowledge and experience, looking for analogies and generalizations.
• This method of study is one way in which hypotheses are developed.
• The idea of the survival of the fittest in evolution came to Darwin and Wallace by correlating.
• Successful scientists often have wide interests; variety stimulates freshness.
• Constant study of a narrow field predisposes to dullness.
• Reading ought not to be confined to the problem under investigation, one's own field of science, nor to science alone.
• Outside immediate interests, one can read superficially, relying on summaries and reviews to keep abreast of major developments.
• Unless the research worker cultivates wide interests, their knowledge may get narrower and narrower and restricted to their own speciality.
• One of the advantages of teaching is that it obliges the scientist to keep abreast of developments in a wider field than they otherwise would.
• The value derived from superficial reading depends on having a background of knowledge which enables quick assessment and grasp of significant findings.
• The mind of the adult can build only as high as the foundations constructed in youth will support.
• Develop the art of skim-reading to cover a large amount of literature with economy of time and to select parts of special interest.
• Skim-reading is not for closely reasoned writing or any work which one intends to make the object of careful study.
• Wilhelm Ostwald believed research students should not learn languages because the conventional teaching of Latin destroys the scientific outlook.
• Herbert Spencer noted that learning languages increases respect for authority, discouraging independent judgment crucial for scientists.
• Several famous scientists, including Darwin and Einstein, disliked Latin, likely due to their independent minds rebelling against accepting authority without evidence.
• R. A. Fisher's books are classics, but can be difficult for beginners.
• Biologists need not be biometrics experts if they dislike the subject, but should know enough to avoid neglect or undue respect and know when to consult a biometrician.

Explore how information affects problem-solving. Relevant, adequate information helps find solutions. Too much information or false data can block the creation of new ideas.