Assigment 1 - Question 4, and the Psychology of Problem Solving Barriers

Right off the bat, I decided to do question 4 on assignment 1 with Complete Induction. It would be simple, really, just consider a sub-string of the string of binary digits from the 2nd to 2nd-last digit so the Induction Hypothesis could apply, and have a few cases to cover different first and last digits...or so I thought. Well into my proof I realized it was quickly becoming too complicated and would need rethinking, which brings me to two common barriers of problem solving identified in the world of Psychology - mental sets and (mental) fixations.

A mental set out of habit refers to the tendency to approach new problems only with previously successful methods or beliefs, and I've just been in a Complete Induction mode lately. Closely related is fixation, which occurs when you have latched onto a certain method, and results in an increased difficulty to see alternatives (like you needed psychology to tell you about that!). Many studies have shown the best way to overcome fixation is to take a break and distract yourself, a value that can't be afforded by someone working on the assignment the day it's due. 3 pages and 10 cases later, I couldn't help but think there was a better way to tackle question 4.

CSC236 - Introduction to the Theory of Blogging?

Hello everyone, and welcome to my SLOG for CSC236! The inspiration for the URL would be these wonderful words of wisdom on proofs from our former Prime Minster, Jean Cretien:

 

I've never blogged before, so I guess this course is an introduction to both blogging and the theory of computation for me! I personally don't quite see the point of keeping these SLOGs (hopefully that will change as mine progresses), but it seems easy enough.