Quick comment: note that you can apply INT to any fraction of the problem (1% / 10% / 100%). The key is just that you use the same fraction for N and T as well. That’s why we define the framework using “% of problem solved” rather than “solve the whole problem”.
https://80000hours.org/articles/problem-framework/
If you run into heavily diminishing returns at the 10% mark, then applying INT to 10% of the problem should yield better results.
This can mean that very narrowly defined problems will often be more effective than broad ones, so it’s important to compare problems of roughly the same scale. Also note that narrowly defined problem areas are less useful—the whole point of having relatively broad areas is to build career capital that’s relevant to more than just one project.
Finally, our overall process is (i) problems (ii) methods (iii) personal fit. Within methods you should think about the key bottlenecks within the problem area, so it partly gets captured there. Expected impact is roughly the multiple of the three. So, I agree people shouldn’t use problem selection as an absolute filter, since it could be better to work on a medium-ranked problem with a great method and personal fit.
Quick comment: note that you can apply INT to any fraction of the problem (1% / 10% / 100%). The key is just that you use the same fraction for N and T as well. That’s why we define the framework using “% of problem solved” rather than “solve the whole problem”. https://80000hours.org/articles/problem-framework/
If you run into heavily diminishing returns at the 10% mark, then applying INT to 10% of the problem should yield better results.
This can mean that very narrowly defined problems will often be more effective than broad ones, so it’s important to compare problems of roughly the same scale. Also note that narrowly defined problem areas are less useful—the whole point of having relatively broad areas is to build career capital that’s relevant to more than just one project.
Finally, our overall process is (i) problems (ii) methods (iii) personal fit. Within methods you should think about the key bottlenecks within the problem area, so it partly gets captured there. Expected impact is roughly the multiple of the three. So, I agree people shouldn’t use problem selection as an absolute filter, since it could be better to work on a medium-ranked problem with a great method and personal fit.