Problem Solving
Annikaa Naidu XI-I
& Aliza XI- H
1
WHAT IS PROBLEM SOLVING?
Every day, we solve problems without even realizing it—like making a quick snack for a friend or
navigating a busy street
• Problem-solving is a goal-directed mental process.
• It involves identifying a problem (the initial state) and reaching a goal (the end state) through various
mental operations.
• Solutions can range from simple, quick fixes (like repairing a bicycle) to complex, time-consuming
tasks (like planning a tour or mending a friendship).
• Everyday activities often involve problem-solving, not just obstacles, but also achieving goals.
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MENTAL OPERATIONS INVOLVED IN SOLVING A PROBLEM:
⭐ Example: Planning a Surprise Birthday for a Best Friend
1. Identify the Problem
→ Your best friend’s birthday is in 5 days and you want to plan a surprise.
2. Represent the Problem
→ Think about what’s needed: venue, cake, gift, decorations, people to invite.
3. Plan the Solution
→ Set smaller tasks: decide a theme, shortlist gift ideas, collect money, decide location.
4. Evaluate Solutions
→ Compare options (party at home vs café, homemade cake vs bakery, etc.) and pick what fits time & budget.
5. Execute the Solution
→ Invite friends , get decorations and gift, set up the location.
6. Evaluate the Outcome
→ Notice your friend’s reaction + how smoothly everything went.
7. Rethink & Improve 3
→ Think about what worked and what didn’t — so you can plan an even better surprise next time.
OBSTACLES IN PROBLEM SOLVING:
While solving a problem, thinking does not always work smoothly.
Sometimes, individuals get stuck because their previous ways of thinking
limit them.
These limitations are called obstacles in problem solving, and they interfere
with the ability to reach effective solutions.
Obstacles arise due to rigid thinking patterns, difficulty in seeing
alternatives, or lack of effort/persistence.
Understanding these obstacles helps in developing better problem-solving
strategies and improving thinking abilities.
4
MENTAL SET:
It is the tendency to use the same method repeatedly, even
when it’s not effective.
We rely on past strategies instead of trying new ones.
Caused by habit and experience, which make thinking rigid.
Can prevent creativity and better solutions.
Example: Solving every maths problem using the same formula
even if an easier method exists.
5
FUNCTIONAL FIXEDNESS:
It is the inability to see new uses for an object beyond its
usual purpose.
Thinking gets limited to the typical function of objects.
This restricts creative problem solving and flexibility in
thinking.
People fail to identify alternative uses that could help solve
the problem.
Example: Not using a ruler as a bookmark or a key as a box
opener because we only think of their standard use.
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LACK OF MOTIVATION:
When a person does not feel interested or driven to solve a
problem.
They may avoid putting effort or give up too easily.
Results in poor persistence and reduced creative thinking.
Leads to incomplete problem solving or no attempt at all.
Example: A student doesn’t try solving a tough question because
they believe “I won’t be able to do it anyway.”
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THANK YOU