In the late 1970’s, researchers from the University of Michigan conducted a series of experiments to better understand Duncker’s classic “Radiation Problem.” Analogies had been demonstrated to assist subjects in the formulation of insights, “provided they were given a hint to use the story to help solve the problem.” What’s fascinating though, is that, “when no hint to consider the (analogy) was given, frequency of (total) solutions decreased markedly.”

Just how much did being given a hint help? As Dave Epstein tells in his excellent Range, “Only about 10% of people solve Duncker's Radiation Problem initially. Presented with both of the radiation problem and the (first analogy), about 30% solve it and save the patient. Given both of those plus the (second analogy), half solve it… Given (both analogies) and then told to use them to help solve the radiation problem, 80% save the patient.”

It makes sense that our odds of solving a very difficult problem are dramatically improved by leveraging analogies. But what’s wild is, many people miss the critical connection unless they’re told to look for one!

The practical takeaway for me is to always be on the lookout. If I’ve got a question in mind, I’m actively mining the world and circumstances around me to supply solutions. Entertaining the possibility of connection.

Relevance may not always be there — in fact, often is not — but by looking for connections, I know I increase the odds of discovering a connection and breaking through when one does in fact exist.

Related: Leveraging Analogies
Related: Seek Random Input

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