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------------------------------------------------ What is one way to increase the likelihood of solving by analogy (or transfer)?

1) Have problem solvers treat the problems as completely separate and independent.
2) Have problem solvers compare and contrast problems.
3) Have problem solvers focus on the surface details of problems.

One effective way to increase the likelihood of solving problems by analogy (or transfer) is option 2: Have problem solvers compare and contrast problems. This approach involves identifying and understanding the similarities and differences between two or more problems. Let’s break down how this can be beneficial in a problem-solving context:

1. **Identifying Common Core Principles**: When problem solvers compare and contrast different problems, they are encouraged to go beyond surface-level details and look for underlying principles or structures that the problems share. This deeper level of analysis helps in recognizing the core idea that could be applied from one problem to another.

2. **Facilitating Transfer of Knowledge**: By finding commonalities between problems, learners can transfer knowledge from a problem they have already solved to a new, but structurally similar, problem. This means they're not starting from scratch but are applying a previously learned concept in a new context, which can aid in problem-solving efficiency and effectiveness.

3. **Enhancing Learning and Retention**: The process of comparing and contrasting requires active engagement with the material, which can strengthen understanding and memory. When learners actively dissect problems, they are more likely to remember how to solve them in the future.

4. **Cultivating Flexible Problem-Solving Skills**: Focusing on the structure of problems rather than their surface characteristics enables problem solvers to apply their skills to a wider range of situations. This flexibility is a key component of successful problem-solving, as it allows individuals to adapt to new and unfamiliar challenges.

5. **Encouraging a Deeper Understanding**: When learners compare and contrast problems, they are pushed to understand the "why" behind the methods and solutions, not just the "how". This deeper understanding is critical for being able to apply knowledge to different and more complex problems.

In summary, to enhance problem-solving by analogy or transfer, the practice of comparing and contrasting problems to find common underlying principles is highly beneficial. This method helps learners recognize applicable patterns and strategies from one context to another, leading to a more robust and flexible understanding of problem-solving.