Is problem solving an inborn skill?

[pinball1970]

"How will you compare to someone who is not a clever and works hard?
...
You say some things we have no control over, what about your neurons in your brain do you have control over them? Their efficiency, number, synapses, neuro-transmitters?
Is the structure and efficiency of your brain less physical than your height?"

So does that literally mean i can't become smart like my those classmates who grab and solve questions quick!

No! There was another thread on something similar. Work hard you will get results

 

[EngWiPy]

In my opinion, problem solving skills = domain knowledge + experience + intelligence

 

[pinball1970]

Yes its interesting.

Over two different threads we have been rehashing an age old argument, Nature verses Nurture. Which is it?

It is of course both in terms of learning concepts, acquiring and applying knowledge and we have been arguing mainly over what has the greater impact.

Where one puts the weighting is difficult because to understand that, one would have to have all the facts relating to how the brain stores then applies learned concepts.

 

[Rive]

Over two different threads we have been rehashing an age old argument, Nature verses Nurture. Which is it?

For me the most disturbing part about internet quarrels is that the participants often has some kind of urge to reach a final conclusion without even checking if it is possible or not.

 

[symbolipoint]

For me the most disturbing part about internet quarrels is that the participants often has some kind of urge to reach a final conclusion without even checking if it is possible or not.

The better word is "debate" instead of argue; but both words will work. Currently, this topic here is not hostile so it is not (yet) a hostile argument discussion.

 

[gleem]

First keep in mind that those who you see as better problem solvers may be so not because they are more intelligent but because they worked hard at developing the necessary skills.

I have to believe that there is innate qualities that facilitate the process of problem solving. For example, problem solving is about seeing relationships. So a good memory to keep your attention on the various aspects of a problem so that you may more easily see the relationships. But effort s by far the the most important. That said here are four qualities of a good problem solver that have been proposed.

Knowledge of the area of the problem Learned through study
Develop a repertoire of techniques. Learned especially through practice.
Good management of the problem solving process, e.g.,knowing when to change approaches . Learned. again through practice.
Confidence that you can solve the problem. Learned. through successfully solving problems.

You might see where above is going, practice and working on problems until they are solved and learning from the experiences.

Leon Lederman ( Nobel Prize in Physics 1988) said "Hard work,--yes, it really accounts for a lot of success. Most scientists aren't brilliant. Some are even very slow. Being solid is important--that means really knowing what you have to know even if it takes a long time. Many "brilliant" guys are superficial. Determination, doggedness and hard work are the characteristics that are highly valued in a group. Imagination puts the icing on the cake."