Problem solving
• A systematic approach to defining the problem (question or
situation that presents uncertainty, perplexity or difficulty)
and creating a vast number of possible solutions without
judging these solutions.
• It’s a cognitive process directed at achieving a goal where no
solution method is obvious to the problem solver.
Skills used in problem solving
• Making judgements
• Analytical skills
• Decision making
• Collecting information
• planning
Problem solving people
• Experts
• People who know the area of knowledge thoroughly. Solving
problems becomes natural
• People who can think alternatives even when no clear solutions
seem apparent.
Problem solving cycle
Identify the problem
Understand the problem
Organize the information
Allocate resources
Monitor
Check and Evaluate
Steps involved in problem solving
• Recognize the problem. Write a short description of the situation and dilemma :
• Define the problem. Write about the specific dilemma. Be very specific about what
needs to be decided.
• Determine possible solutions. Write a list of solutions you might consider. List several
including the most logical solutions.
• Determine factors to evaluate solutions. List the factors to consider on your paper.
• Test each possible solution. You may draw a chart on your paper like the one below to
test each solution against the factors. Remember that some factors are likely to be
much more important that others.
• __
•
Steps continued
• Select a workable solution. Write which solution you would
choose. Explain in detail why you chose this solution. Use facts
and logic to defend your solution. Refer to the factors/options
in steps 4 or 5 if necessary.
• Carry out your solution. What are the steps to carrying out
your solution? What problems might you encounter?
Mental models in problem solving
• Developing an understanding of the formal structure of the
problem
• Imagistic and propositional processing
• Fleshing out formal implications of problem by seeking
examples and counter examples
Obstacles to problem solving
• Mental sets, entrenchment, and fixation (viewing the problem
from the dominant paradigm)
• Negative transfers
• Memory load/interferance
Exercise – GROUP ONE
• Suppose that similar to many students you are short on cash.
• You are debating about getting a part-time job but are unsure
if this is a good idea.
• You need to be making some money, but since you are so
involved in other activities and you need to keep your grades
up, flexible hours are important, too.
• What options do you have to earn money?
• Which would you choose?
GROUP TWO
• You are interested in contesting for a political position.
• To get this position you must be married.
• You partner agrees to marry you, unfortunately the date of the
marriage collides with when his/her final exams for a scholarship will
be running.
• These exams can only be done once in a year and the scholarship is
also offered once a year.
• Immediately after her last paper is the election day.
• What options do you have?
• What would you do?