What is the difference between a puzzle and a problem

Gladwell goes on to show how understanding the difference between puzzles and mysteries can lead us to interpret the same facts differently. In his book, Boombustology , Vikram Mansharamani sums up the Enron situation:. The needed capability was not the ability to find particular information, but rather the skill to assemble disparate data point into a clear image of the whole.

The problem is not one of inadequate information, but instead one of too much information overwhelming the processing capabilities…. Enigma applies to whatever hides its meaning under obscure or ambiguous allusions so that one can only guess at its significance. The term can be extended to whatever is inscrutable or beyond the range of unaided understanding. Riddle applies to an enigma involving paradoxical or contradictory statements and definitely proposed to be guessed.

The term can be extended to any problem which is difficult because of its inner contradictions. This means that a riddle and a brain teaser are spoken, whereas a puzzle is usually in a tangible form such as a game or a toy. However, a brain teaser need not always be spoken it can be written as well, as is the case of mathematics puzzles. The main problem with distinguishing between the three is that a brain teaser is often considered to be a type of puzzle.

Furthermore, a riddle is often defined as a specific type of brain teaser. Hence, at the end of the day, the actual semantics of the definition do not matter. In everyday colloquialism, the three words are usually interchangeable.

The only difference is that a tangible object, such as toy or a game, will usually not be referred to as a riddle. It can however at times be called a brain teaser. A riddle or a brain teaser can be used interchangeably, and can be called a puzzle as well. Still, all three help a person to develop and improve cognitive function, while still having fun.

A question or statement intentionally phrased so as to require ingenuity in ascertaining its answer or meaning. Mary's father has five daughters: 1. Nana, 2. Nene, 3.