Explain how experts, such as chess masters, differ from novices regarding how they approach problem solving

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answer will include that problem-solving expertise is based on acquired strategies (learned heuristics) and specific organized knowledge (systematic information).
Experts are better able to see the true nature of problems and to define them more flexibly in terms of general principles. For example, chess experts are much more likely than novices to have heuristics available for solving problems. However, what really sets master players apart is their ability to intuitively recognize patterns that suggest what lines of play should be explored next. This helps eliminate a large number of possible moves. The chess master, therefore, does not waste time exploring unproductive pathways. In other words, becoming a star performer does not come from some general strengthening of the mind. Master chess players don't necessarily have better memories than beginners (except for realistic chess positions). And, typically, they don't explore more moves ahead than lesser players.You might think experts are always in reflective processing mode, but expertise involves more experiential, automatic processing, or fast, fairly effortless thinking based on experience with similar problems. Automatic processing frees "space" in short­term memory, making it easier to work on the problem. At the highest skill levels, expert performers tend to rise above rules and plans. Their decisions, thinking, and actions become rapid, fluid, and insightful. Thus, when a chess master recognizes a pattern on the chessboard, the most desirable tactic comes to mind almost immediately.
However, this capacity comes at a price. Expert chess players can automatically recognize 50,000 to 100,000 patterns, a level of skill that takes about 10 years of mindful, reflective processing to build up. To develop expertise in a field, then, requires us to learn available heuristic solution strategies as well as to develop a deeper general understanding of the field. Expertise also involves learning thousands of patterns and practicing solving many problems, which means that developing expertise involves years of hard work.