Problem solving

Problems are obstacles thrown in front of us to hamper our progress.
These problems must be solved and overcome.
Problems can arise in personal, professional and social contexts.
Some problems can be solved alone, some can be by collective thought and some by using computers.
Problem solving refers to any activity or group of activities that seek to resolve problems or find a solution to solve the problems, by proceeding in an orderly fashion.
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Steps in Problem Solving
Identification of Problems and Opportunities
Definition of Goals
Exploration of Possible Strategies
Anticipation of Outcomes and Action
Learning through Retrospection
Problem Solving through Six Thinking Hats
Advantages of Six Thinking Hats
Problem-Solving Strategies
Algorithms
Heuristics
Trial-and-Error
Insight �

1. PROBLEM SOLVING PRESENTED BY AGLAIA

2. PROBLEM SOLVING Problems are obstacles thrown in front of us to hamper our progress. These problems must be solved and overcome. Problems can arise in personal, professional and social contexts. Some problems can be solved alone, some can be by collective thought and some by using computers. Problem solving refers to any activity or group of activities that seek to resolve problems or find a solution to solve the problems, by proceeding in an orderly fashion.

3. Steps in Problem Solving There is a problem solving cycle which has been identified by Bransford and Stein and is known as the IDEAL model. The steps in IDEAL model are, Identification of Problems and Opportunities Definition of Goals Exploration of Possible Strategies Anticipation of Outcomes and Action Learning through Retrospection

4. Identification of Problems and Opportunities This is the first step which involves actively looking to the problems and not just responding to them. The problems must be stated clearly so that the subsequent steps are easier.

5. Definition of Goals Defining the goals of the solution is important to decide the direction of the problem solving process. There must be clear understanding of what the requirement is. The constraints, various interests, etc must be taken for consideration in this step.

6. Exploration of Possible Strategies This stage needs a considerable amount of iteration. There are several methods like formal and informal for the generation of alternatives. The goals, constraints and interests must be constantly re analyzed with respect to the strategy we adopt for problem solving. Every possible strategy must be tried before we take a decision.

7. Anticipation of Outcomes and Action Every possible outcome must be analyzed after deciding a strategy. The already fixed strategy may have to be modified or even discarded. Inappropriate assumptions which were made earlier can be rectified in this stage.

8. Learning through Retrospection This is the key for all the possible and further progress. It helps to understand the mistake we made and learn from the past experiences. This helps in adopting the most suitable strategy in future.

9. Problem Solving through Six Thinking Hats The Six Thinking Hats method was put forward by Edward de Bono. This method helps us analyze and structure our thought process. According to de Bono, we are capable of different thinking styles. These styles are represented by imaginary hats, each hat with different color. By mentally wearing and switching hats, it is easier to move from one thinking style to another. The six thinking hats are given below. The White Hat The Red Hat. The Blue Hat The Yellow Hat The Green Hat The Black Hat

10. The White Hat It is the hat of facts and data. When wearing a mental white hat, we must focus on analyzing the available data and infer the information from them. E.g. There are hundred varieties of animals in this zoo. The Red Hat It is the hat of feelings and emotions. When wearing a red mental hat, we are free to focus on insights, anxieties, feelings, etc. E.g. I feel worried about their safety.

11. The Blue Hat ;It is the hat of process control. When wearing the blue hat, it is about the thought process itself that we think- whether are we approaching the problem in the right way, what are all the ground rules and whether the current thinking is productive. The blue hat initiates the discussion, controls its flow and sums it up to provide the bigger picture. E.g. How are we planning to market this product? The Yellow Hat It is the hat of optimism and positivity. We take a logically optimistic view of the problem when we wear a yellow hat. The benefits, feasibility, positive assets, etc are evaluated in this. E.g. Such low product cost will raise profit.

12. The Green Hat It is the hat of creativity. We can think and act creatively. We are encouraged to go beyond the limits we set for ourselves. Out of the box solutions come from green hat thinking. E.g. If we can pack this product as a new budget option, we can attract more customers . The Black Hat It is the hat of caution and critical thinking. We can reflect on how an idea wouldn’t work in the current context. The black hat is important for decision making, but it should be used moderately. E.g. With such low price, we cannot assure quality.

13. Advantages of Six Thinking Hats Saves time in meetings Eliminates personality conflicts in meetings Helps to separate each aspect of problems, i.e. emotions, facts, etc . Improves performance of individuals and teams Helps in preparing for changes Improves clarity and conciseness in communication. Parallel thought is encouraged.

14. Problem-Solving Strategies Algorithms Heuristics Trial-and-Error Insight  

15. Algorithms The step-by-step procedure involved in figuring out the correct answer to any problem is called algorithm. The step by step procedure involved in solving a mathematical problem using math formula is a perfect example of a problem-solving algorithm. Algorithm is the strategy that results in accurate answer; however, it’s not always practical. The strategy is highly time consuming, and involves taking lots of steps. For instance, attempting to open a door lock using algorithm to find out the possible number combinations would take a really long time .

16. Heuristics Heuristics refers to mental strategy based on rule-of thumb. There is no guarantee that it will always work out to produce the best solution. However, the rule of thumb strategy does help to simplify complex problems by narrowing the possible solutions. It makes it easier to reach the correct solution using other strategies. Heuristic strategy of problem solving can also be referred to as the mental shortcut. For instance, you need to reach the other part of the city in a limited amount of time. You’ll obviously seek for the shortest route and means of transportation. The rule of thumb allows you to make up your mind about the fastest route depending on your past commutes. You might choose subway instead of hiring a cab .

17. Trial-and-Error Trial and error strategy is the approach that deals with trying a number of different solutions and ruling out the ones that do not work. Approaching this strategy as the first method in an attempt to solve any problem can be highly time-consuming. So, it’s best to use this strategy as a follow up to figure out the best possible solution, after you have narrowed down the possible number of solutions using other techniques .

18. Insight Insight  is something that just occurs suddenly. Researchers suggest that insight can occur if you’ve dealt with similar problems in the past. For instance, Knowing that you’ve solved a particular algebra question in the past will make it much easier for you to solve the similar questions at present. However, it’s not always necessary that the mental processes be related with past problems. In fact, most cases of mental processes leading to insight happen outside of consciousness.

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