If there is an odd number on one side of the card,
then there is a vowel on the opposite side
then there is a vowel on the opposite side
Which cards do we need to flip over to verify the rule?
Think you have an idea? Upwards of 90% of adults get this puzzle wrong.
The correct answer is the “7” and “T” cards. Before an explanation, let’s consider rephrasing the problem:
Which cards do we need to flip over to verify the rule?
This puzzle is quite obviously much easier; approximately 75% of adults get this problem right. The answer is of course to check the “Beer” and “19”. Now let’s explain the initial task. The rule states that if there is an odd number on one side of the card, then there must be a vowel on the other side. It makes sense that we check the “7” card since 7 is an odd number and we need to confirm there is a vowel on the other side. The tricky part comes with the “T” card: we need to assure that the opposite side does not have an odd number, in which case our rule would be void. The key here is that while the rule has special limitations for card with odd numbers, it puts no requirements on cards with vowels.
So what makes the second thematic so much easier? Context. It makes sense, at least in the United States, that we should check what type of drink a 19-year-old is having, and we need to verify the age of any person drinking alcohol. There are no regulations regarding people 21 or older, and it is perfectly legal to drink coke at any age. We have a preliminary understanding of the rule, thus extrapolating it much easier. This type of context is known as a deontic context, meaning it pertains to a duty or obligation (or permission in this case). A permission schema is entirely dependent on context rather than arbitrary variables such as numbers and letters. Our problem-solving human brain has evolved to make judgments based on consequences. Thus, we are significantly better able to make judgments regarding laws or rules we are accustomed to, like the U.S. drinking age.
The correct answer is the “7” and “T” cards. Before an explanation, let’s consider rephrasing the problem:
If someone is drinking alcohol then she must be over 21 years old
Which cards do we need to flip over to verify the rule?
So what makes the second thematic so much easier? Context. It makes sense, at least in the United States, that we should check what type of drink a 19-year-old is having, and we need to verify the age of any person drinking alcohol. There are no regulations regarding people 21 or older, and it is perfectly legal to drink coke at any age. We have a preliminary understanding of the rule, thus extrapolating it much easier. This type of context is known as a deontic context, meaning it pertains to a duty or obligation (or permission in this case). A permission schema is entirely dependent on context rather than arbitrary variables such as numbers and letters. Our problem-solving human brain has evolved to make judgments based on consequences. Thus, we are significantly better able to make judgments regarding laws or rules we are accustomed to, like the U.S. drinking age.
