Mental Algorithms: “How Our Brains Solve Problems”

Book Lists:

1. Psychopharmacology Algorithms: Clinical Guidance from the Psychopharmacology Algorithm Project at the Harvard South Shore Psychiatry Residency Program: https://amzn.to/3oVgAqf

1. Psychiatry Algorithms for Primary Care: https://amzn.to/3qE8Dq8

Mental algorithms are the cognitive processes that we use to solve problems. They are the mental shortcuts and rules of thumb that we use to make decisions, plan, and execute tasks.

Mental algorithms are often unconscious, and we may not be aware of how we are using them. However, they play a critical role in our everyday lives. They help us to make sense of the world around us, and they allow us to learn and adapt quickly.

There are many different types of mental algorithms. Some examples include:

* **Pattern recognition:** This is the ability to recognize patterns in data. For example, we use pattern recognition to identify objects, faces, and words.

* **Rule-based reasoning:** This is the ability to follow rules to solve problems. For example, we use rule-based reasoning to solve math problems, follow recipes, and play games.

* **Heuristics:** These are mental shortcuts that we use to make decisions quickly. For example, we may use the heuristic “if it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it’s probably a duck” to make a quick decision about what an object is.

Mental algorithms are not always accurate, but they are often very efficient. They allow us to solve problems quickly and without having to think about them consciously. This is why mental algorithms are so important for our everyday lives.

Mental algorithms are a fascinating topic of study. Researchers are still learning about how they work, and how they can be improved. By understanding how our brains solve problems, we can learn to think more effectively and make better decisions.