Why Do Brains Always Solve Problems by Adding Instead of Removing?

A new study explains how brains missed out on opportunities because it is inclined to adding instead of removing something when solving a problem. Humans almost always add some elements solution whether it helps or not.

For instance, humans learn how to ride a bicycle by adding training wheels or a tricycle. This method has been used for many generations that seemed to work.

But parents nowadays opted to train kids in balance bikes, a two-wheeler with no pedal that lets children develop the coordination needed for riding a bike. It is a skill not easily learned but this method is still teaching kids how to ride a bicycle.

Given the benefits of removing as a solution, why did it took too long for humans to remove training wheels? Although there are more examples of how removing could be better than adding something, scientists finally found why brains are more inclined to this pattern of problem-solving.

Brains Overlook Benefits of Subtracting

The study, entitled "People systematically overlook subtractive changes" published in Nature, of 1,585 people across eight different experiments showed that brains tend to miss out on the benefits of removing things as a solution. In fact, brains rarely even consider subtraction in many cases.

It is most notable in situations when people are in high cognitive load, have less time to consider other options, and when volunteers did not get a specific reminder that subtraction is an option for a solution.

Engineer Leidy Klots from the University of Virginia said that this often happens in engineering, writing, cooking, and just everything else.

In one of the experiments, two groups were asked to improve a Lego structure so that it could take more weight. One group was given a cue on both additive and subtractive solutions, while the second group was not reminded of possible subtractive solutions, according to Scientific American.

They found that 61% of the participants in the first group solved the problem by subtraction, while only 41% of the second group went for the removing method.

Consumer psychologist Tom Meyvis of the New York University, who is not part of the study, said that the findings demonstrated how brains missed out on opportunities for not considering much of subtractive solutions.

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Subtractive Ideas Need More Cognitive Effort

"Additive ideas come to mind quickly and easily, but subtractive ideas require more cognitive effort," says psychologist Benjamin Converse, from the University of Virginia. "Because people are often moving fast and working with the first ideas that come to mind, they end up accepting additive solutions without considering subtraction at all."

Researchers added that brains might find additive solutions easier because it is associated with ideas that are bigger and therefore better for the subconscious, ScienceAlert reported. Taking or removing something away could be destructive to the status quo that the brains try to maintain.

The team noted that their findings are important for institutions looking for more ways of improving human life and manage the planet's resources.

Psychologist Gabrielle Adams from the University of Virginia said that since people rely on additive strategies, people will grow accustomed to additive ideas, which they could end up missing out on many opportunities to better the world by removing something.

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