Problem Solving
Problem solving is a natural part of life. In any business or industry, the ability of an employee to solve problems can mean the difference between success and failure. Lacking the ability to solve problems effectively can be a source of anxiety and stress for any individual. Problem solving is not an exact science, although there are guidelines that a person can follow to become a successful problem-solver.
Flexibility and open-mindedness is an essential part of being able to solve problems, whether it is in your personal life or on-the-job. Possessing advantageous problem solving skills requires a person to understand the problem, create a plan to solve the problem, seeing the plan through and reviewing the plan to ensure that the problem is solved and is not repeated. When a person has difficulty imagining a solution to a problem, it is because he is overwhelmed with the details of the problem and lacks the ability to break down the problem or see the big picture.
The problem solving articles in this section will help you alleviate and solve some of the more common issues related to solving problems. Information on brainstorming, critical thinking, innovation, lateral thinking, strategies and creativity are all useful techniques that can assist an individual to become better at solving problems.
Introduction To Problem Solving If you are like some people, you would love to have the ability to easily solve problems. Problems are a fact of life. Everyone one has them, and it doesn’t matter whether you’re rich or poor. All of us have problems that we must deal with on a daily basis. Our ability to properly handle these problems can lead to a life which is rich in success and low in stress, failure, or anxiety. With current understanding, problem solving is more of an art than a science. There are no universally accepted methods which can…
Problem Solving Techniques We are all faced with problems everyday. Learning how to effectively deal with them is what will mean the difference between success and failure. While there are no universally accepted methods that can be used to help you solve problems, there are a number of useful techniques which can make the problem solving process easier. One of the most important techniques involved with problem solving is understanding the problem. While this may seem like common sense, it is the primary mistake made by people who encounter a problem. If you don’t understand a problem, you will…
How To Properly Approach a Problem When many people attempt to solve a problem, they make the mistake of placing an emphasis on either the problem or solution. To properly solve problems, it is very important to make sure you take the right approach. The approach you use for a problem is often connected to the solution. The first thing you should be familiar with is an entry point. As the name implies, the entry point is the part of the problem that you will first want to focus on. Many people have linear minds, and approach a problem from…
Wicked Problems Many problems in math or puzzles can be solved with a number of different methods such as trial and error, brainstorming, and reductionism. Many of these problems could be called static or well defined. However, what happens when you run into a problem that is incomplete, or has requirements that continue to change? This is a problem that is much more difficult to solve, and is referred to as being a "wicked problem." The idea of wicked problems were first developed by H. J. Rittel and M. Webber. The solutions to wicked problems are hard to solve because…
The Use of Trial and Error To Solve Problems Some complex problems can be solved by a technique that is called trial and error. Trial and error is typically good for problems where you have multiple chances to get the correct solution. However, this is not a good technique for problems that don’t give you multiple chances to find a solution. An example of situations where you wouldn’t want to use trial and error are diffusing a bomb or performing an operation on a patient. In these situations, making an error can lead to disaster. Trial and error is used…
The Importance of Reductionism In The Problem Solving Process Reductionism is a type of philosophy that can be applied to the problem solving process. It basically states that complex objects can be simplified in a way that makes them easier to understand. Reductionism can be use for virtually anything, but it is commonly used to refer to biology, theories, or objects. It is generally used to refer to scientific problems, but it can also be used for any problem that you encounter. The Reductionism thought process can be defined in the expression "complexity equals compound simplicity." Many people find that…
The Connection Between Innovation and Problem Solving Innovation can be defined as the ability to create something new based on knowledge that has been attained. In order for something to be new, it must be radically different from things which are already in existence. The nature of innovation is important when it comes to problem solving. Often, the goal of those who use innovation is to solve problems. Innovation plays an important role in virtually every aspect of your life. Though it is usually connected to business, technology, or engineering, and can even be useful on a personal level. You…
How Lateral Thinking Can Be Used To Solve Problems Lateral thinking is a problem solving technique that was developed by Edward de Bono. It can be defined as methods which are used to alter the perception of a problem. Lateral thinking is a technique that requires large amounts of reasoning. It is a good technique to use in situations where pure logic may not be useful. The goal of using lateral thinking is to move your mind away from thinking which is pragmatic and orthodoxed. People who use lateral thinking tend to come up with unorthodoxed solutions to problems, and…
Problem Solving Strategies The ability to be flexible is one of the most important aspects of problem solving. All of us have problems that differ from each other. However, it is the strategies that a person uses to solve problems which will lead to either success or failure. There are a number of techniques you will want to employ when you run into problems or challenges. The first step to solving a problem is to look at any assumptions you may have about the situation. When many people are faced with a problem, they make assumptions about the situation which…
How To Effectively Solve Problems When you are faced with a difficult problem, you may need the help of someone else. In some situations, the problem may require you to create a plan which can help you solve it. If you are in a situation like this, there are a number of things you can do to effectively solve the problem. If you know someone who is dealing with a problem, it may be helpful not to give them advice. At first glance, this may sound strange. Why would you not want to give someone advice, especially if it is…
How Role Playing Can Help You Solve Problems The use of role playing to solve problems is composed of multiple methods. Many of these methods involve using your mind in order create a different reality. These techniques will allow you to place an emphasis on what you desire rather than what you already have. To use role playing techniques successfully, you will first want to perform a bit of mental practice. Before you try using a solution to solve a problem, why not perform the action in your mind? Carrying out a procedure in your mind before you actually do…
How Problem Solving Can Help You In Math Math is a subject which is hated by many people. This is unfortunate, because mathematics lays down the foundation for all of the technology we have today. Computers, cell phones, cars, and space shuttles would not exist if it were not for mathematics. The reason why many people fail at math is because they haven’t developed basic problem solving skills. To solve math problems, you have to look for the right things. The vast majority of math problems you encounter can be solved with established strategies. To solve a math problem, you…
Creative Problem Solving Creative problem solving is a method used in situations where knowledge and thinking are not enough. Using creativity to solve a problem can be extremely challenging, and will take large amounts of effort on the part of those who are trying to solve the problem. Often, solutions to the problem will become apparent when the person is not focusing on the problem itself. Solutions which are creative must be reviewed and tested. Creative problem solving strategies are typically not employed by large organizations. It is more often done by small organizations or individuals. Large organizations which are…
How Brainstorming Can Help You Solve Problems Brainstorming is one of the most creative ways of solving problems. However, brainstorming may not always be used to solve a single problem. It is sometimes used to come up with a list of possible solutions that can be used to solve a problem. The concept of brainstorming is one of the newest problem solving methods, and was first mentioned by Alex F. Osborn in 1953. Today, brainstorming is commonly used for advertising, the development of new products, process management, and business planning. It is an important tool that you will need to…
Critical thinking is a process in which a person will use their mind to analyze or study information. The information that is studied will typically be offered as something that is absolute. However, the person that is studying will reason on it in order to determine if they are in agreement with it. Critical thinking is important for situations where logic needs to be used to solve a problem. Many researchers feel that schools should place a higher emphasis on critical thinking instead of memorization. There are a number of problems with learning by memorizing facts, especially when it is…
