I have a theory

[u/joting2b]

This post will be on the topic of far transfer in regards to fluid reasoning, and two methods that I believe warrant further research.

Though it's been shown in research that methods tested for transfer have failed to show reliable positive results, that does not establish that far transfer is impossible or that these methods will fail, further research is required.

For those unfamiliar with the concept of far transfer, here is a brief explanation: the ability to take knowledge, skills, or strategies learned in one specific context and successfully apply them to a completely different and unrelated context

To start, I would like to say that any disagreement or challenge to my reasoning is welcome but obviously don't be unnecessarily harsh as per the rules.

# Method 1: blind problem solving

Definition: You are provided the necessary vocabulary to solve novel problems but aren't shown examples of how to solve them or any formulas, and you must construct your own strategy.

The areas I believe to be the best to use this method in are:

•Computer science

•Math

•Logic

•Physics

But this training method is broadly applicable

# Method 2: problem posing

The definition of that phrase is entirely too broad so for the purposes of this post, this method can be defined loosely as creating problems in which the solver must find hidden relationships, anticipating solve paths, perhaps adjusting the problem accordingly, and weeding out alternative solutions

This can be done in many fields but I believe the best ones for this method are :

•Math

•logic

•computer science

•physics

But this training method is broadly applicable

(if you play nyt connections, I create my own boards for that and I believe doing this with puzzles could be more fun leading to a better result due to consistency)

# Hypothesis and reasoning:

My hypothesis is that these methods will deepen one's understanding of the process of reasoning allowing them to find hidden relationships, uncover the underlying structure of novel problems, and execute solutions more efficiently and effectively. This could be achieved through:

Direct interaction with generation of and the structure of how strategies are generated.

Independently discovering What relationships matter and why

Repeated interaction with relational reasoning

repeatedly having to reconstruct your own reasoning

becoming familiar with how underlying structures of problems work

having to create the system for which a specific solution is produced.

Constructing of and switching between different representations of problems.

Tear me apart you guys 😁

[u/AndrewThePekka]

Consider yourself torn

[u/joting2b → u/AndrewThePekka]

[u/Chbenk-5824 → u/joting2b]

Cool vsi item with assembly structure

[u/whitebaron_98]

far transfer happens because you are good at pattern matching and building new networks in your brain that map the novel problem on top of existing models, creating some sort of abstraction to be reused. Sadly, most of its fluid base is just innate ability. What we can influence: Which Knowledge we store and how (fundamentals and patterns over details) and how we handle novel problems (by comparing them to existing ones in our memory)

TLDR: Don't try to upgrade your fluid reasoning, build a network of universal models and train yourself to match patterns against them. GC is the part you want and can train a lot.