“feeling of knowing” occur when we suspect that we can find the answer if only we keep on thinking about the question. perhaps it occurs when you run into an old acquaintance whose name you can’t remember although you know what letter it begins with. what’s interesting about this is that, even though you’ve forgotten the person’s name, you’re still convinced that you know it, which is why you devote so much mental energy to trying to recover the missing part. numerous studies have shown that the human mind is remarkably accurate at judging the likelihood that a problem can be solved. when you can glance at a question and know that the answer is within reach if only you put in the work, you’re motivated to stay focused on the challenge.

① human memory : myths and facts
② the best way to keep things in mind
③ how to solve problems effectively
④ why people keep trying to recall forgotten things
⑤ where to devote our mental energy and why