APS

By definition, in adversarial problem solving (APS), “one must anticipate, understand, and counteract the actions of an opponent” (Thagard, 1992).

Our brain must be able to use such abilities as deduction, generalization, and the formation and evaluation of explanatory hypotheses.

As a coach, I feel like this is such a large part of my professional life.  It also carries over into my personal thoughts, and everyday interactions.  I don’t want to assume, but I would gather this is how a lot of people think as well. 

Not as much as preparing to defeat an opponent, but the repetition of internally asking yourself questions, and mentally finding answers.  Deducing an answer that will create a desired outcome happens hundreds of times a day.  A lot of the time these answers are reflexive, or have become a part of a daily routine.  But formulating hypotheses of what could happen based on certain behavior within certain situations can create optimism to reach your final destination.

Most of the time, these hypotheses come into play when interacting with other people.  It could mean coordinating in a group, or a conversation that you aren’t looking forward to with a co-worker or family member.  Playing that scenario in our mind prior to it happening, and thinking of the potential reactions or outcomes can potentially alter our original intent, or gut-reaction.

Oftentimes, as a team, you play an opponent on more than one occasion wherein gaining a familiarity with their strategy, tactics, physicality, etc.  In sports, I like to compare this situation to getting into a fight with a sibling.  I know growing up with my brother, if I provoked him in such a way, I was able to anticipate his reaction.  For example, if I pushed him, he would push me back.

But imagine you did the same thing to a stranger on the street.  If you walked up to someone that you didn’t know, and you pushed them, what would their reaction be?  Would they punch you?  Would they walk away?  Is it possible that they may have a weapon?  This is similar to playing a new opponent.  If you give them your best, will they respond in a way that is comfortable, or that you have already experienced?  There is a level of unknown that comes into play.

As a coach, this means trying to prepare your team for anything.  That is why you scout your opponent, watch video on their tendencies, and walk your team through their plays and defensive strategy. 

In daily life, this gives you the ability to anticipate, and understand.  It doesn’t necessarily have to be an adversary, but harnessing the ability to visualize different scenarios that you could potentially encounter can give you the ability to evaluate which potential solution will provide the best outcome.  It might even be as simple as reasoning how productive you could be the next day with an extra hour of sleep!

Is this something that you do?  Have you recognized these internal conversations you’ve had with yourself before in order to imagine several outcomes?  This is normal, beneficial, and an exercise that can become a part of your daily routine.  

For me, I like to plan my day on my morning walks with my dogs.  This can vary from planning a practice, anticipating a conversation with a student-athlete, or rehearsing something I may have to present for a meeting.  Formulating hypotheses, visualizing the results and the responses of those whom I am interacting with prepare me for the day, while simultaneously pushing me out of my comfort zone.

A deductive visualizer.  Another way to define a Daring Optimist.

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MS

Source:

Thagard, Paul. 1992. Adversarial Problem Solving: Modeling an Opponent Using Explanatory Coherence. Cognitive Science 16 (123-149)