What strategy involves reducing a new problem to a previously known problem to find a solution?

The strategy that involves reducing a new problem to a previously known problem in order to find a solution is known as using analogies. This approach relies on drawing comparisons between the new situation and one that has been successfully resolved in the past. By recognizing similarities between the two problems, an individual can leverage their previous experiences and insights to inform their decision-making for the current challenge.

For example, if someone has previously solved a complex mathematical equation and is now faced with a different equation that shares structural similarities, they can apply the same methods that were effective in the past. This not only simplifies the new problem but also enhances the likelihood of arriving at a solution more efficiently. The use of analogies is a powerful cognitive tool in problem-solving because it allows individuals to tap into their existing knowledge base, facilitating creative thinking and innovative solutions.

In contrast, trial and error involves attempting various solutions until one works, heuristics are mental shortcuts that simplify decision-making, and intuition is the ability to understand something instinctively without the need for conscious reasoning. Each of these approaches has its merits but does not specifically focus on the conservation of prior solutions through the lens of similarity as analogies do.