In this puzzle, solvers often get stuck when trying to identify the correct categories for the words presented. One common point of confusion arises between the 'SEEN AT THE CIRCUS' and 'I'M A ___' categories. For instance, the word 'CLOWN' clearly fits into the circus theme, but solvers might mistakenly associate it with the lyrics from "The Joker," leading to a mix-up. Another area where solvers might falter is between 'THE WIZARD OF OZ' figures and 'FILM DEPARTMENTS.' Words like 'WIZARD' and 'SCARECROW' can easily be confused for other categories, particularly if solvers are not immediately recalling their associations with the source material. This is particularly true for those unfamiliar with the film's characters or their roles in cinematic production.

To distinguish the real groups from plausible decoys, solvers should focus on the specific themes and contexts that each word evokes. For example, the words in the 'FILM DEPARTMENTS' category are all roles or elements related to behind-the-scenes work in filmmaking, which is distinct from the character-oriented nature of the 'THE WIZARD OF OZ' figures. Recognizing that 'HAIR,' 'MAKEUP,' 'PROPS,' and 'WARDROBE' all contribute to the visual storytelling in movies can help solidify their placement in the correct group. Similarly, understanding that the 'I'M A ___' category is directly tied to lyrics can help solvers avoid mixing those words with the more visual or performance-oriented terms from the circus category.

A useful heuristic for solvers is to look for contextual clues within the words themselves. If a set seems to derive from a specific narrative or thematic source, such as a film or song, it can often help to group them accordingly. Additionally, solvers can benefit from considering the function of each word: does it describe a character, an object, or a role? Using this approach can streamline the grouping process and reduce confusion, making it easier to identify the correct categories in future puzzles.