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Problem Soliving

problem solving steps

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Devika Vijayan
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33 views14 pages

Problem Soliving

problem solving steps

Uploaded by

Devika Vijayan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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PROBLEM

SOLIVING
SAHIRA
AHAMED
Problem solving is thinking that is directed toward the
solving of a specific problem that involves both the
formation of responses and the selection among possible
responses.
Problem solving is an effort to overcome obstacles
obstructing the path to a solution.
In cognitive psychology , the term problem solving refers to
the mental process that people go through to discover ,
analyze and solve problems.
A problem consists of several basic components : an initial
state(the situation at the beginning of the problem), a set of
rules(or strategies) to solve the problem and the goal
state(the solution).
There are three major aspects to problem solving :

1.It is purposeful(i.e., goal-directed)


2.It involves controlled processes and is not totally reliant
on “automatic” processes.
3.A problem exists when someone lacks the relevant
knowledge to produce an immediate solution.
• We engage in problem solving when we need to
overcome obstacles to answer a question or to achieve a
goal. if we quickly can retrieve an answer from memory,
we do not have a problem. If we cannot retrieve an
immediate answer, then we have problem to be solved.

• The steps of the problem-solving cycle include problem


identification, problem definition , strategy formulation ,
organization of information , allocation of resources ,
monitoring and evaluation
• Problem identification :do we actually have a problem?

• Problem definition and representation: what exactly is our


problem?

• Strategy formulation : how can we solve the problem?


The strategy may involve analysis-breaking down the
whole of a complex problem into manageable elements.
Instead, or perhaps in addition, it may involve the
complementary process of synthesis-putting together
various elements to arrange them into something useful.
Another pair of complementary strategies involves
divergent and convergent thinking. In divergent thinking, you
try to generate a diverse assortment of possible alternative
solutions to a problem. Once you have considered a variety
of possibilities, however, you must engage in convergent
thinking to narrow down the multiple possibilities to
converge on a single best answer.
• Organization of information: how do the various pieces of
information in the problem fit together?
• Resource allocation: how much time , effort ,money etc.,
should I put into this problem?
• Monitoring: am I on track as I proceed to solve the
problem?
• Evaluation :did I solve the problem correctly ?
TYPES OF PROBLEM
• Problems can be categorized according to whether they
have clear paths to a solution
• Well-structured problems have clear paths to solutions.
These problems also are termed well-defined problems.
Well-defined problems are ones in which all aspects of the
problem are clearly specified: these include the initial state or
situation, the range of possible moves or strategies, and the
goal or solution. The goal is well-specified, meaning it is clear
when the goal has been reached.
E.g.,A maze is a well-defined problem in which escape from it
is the goal. Chess can also be regarded as a well-defined
problem, although obviously an extremely complex one. It is
well-defined in the sense that there is a standard initial state,
the rules specify all legitimate rules, and the goal is to achieve
checkmate.
• Ill-structured problems lack clear paths to solutions.
These problems are also termed ill-defined problems .
• ill-defined problems are under specified.
e.g., Suppose you have locked your keys inside your car,
and want to get into it without causing any damage.
However, you have urgent business elsewhere, and there is
no one around to help you. In such circumstances, it may
be very hard to identify the best solution to the problem. For
example, breaking a window will solve the immediate
problem but will obviously create additional problems.
Most everyday problems are ill-defined problems.
• There is a further distinction between knowledge-rich and
knowledge-lean problems. Knowledge-rich problems can
only be solved by individuals possessing a considerable
amount of specific knowledge. Eg , solving a
mathematical problem
• In contrast, knowledge-lean problems do not require the
possession of such knowledge, because most of the
necessary information is given in the problem statement.
Eg , finding a way out of a maze.
Productive and Reproductive Problem solving

• The gestalt psychologist distinguished between


reproductive and productive thinking
• Reproductive thinking entails the application of tried-and-
true paths to a solution. The thinker reproduces a series
of steps that are known to yield a workable answer by
using rote memory. it involves the re-use of previous
experiences.
• Productive thinking requires insight(the experience of
suddenly realizing how to solve a problem) and creativity
• Ill-defined problems often demand productive thinking
undirected thought is certainly one means of achieving
insights
• Well-defined problems often demand reproductive
problem solving and directed thoughts
APPROACHES TO PROBLEM
SOLVING
Two general approaches are ALGORITHMS AND
HEURISTICS
ALGORITHMS(systematic approach)
• An algorithm is basically a set of rules that can be applied
systematically to solve certain types of problems. A
mathematical formula is a good example of an algorithm.
• Algorithms are very powerful problem solving techniques
applied correctly an algorithm will always lead to correct
solutions. But It is rarely used to solve problems on a day
to day basis
• Very complex and ill defined problem demand a more
flexible, dynamic approach
• It is time consuming approach
HEURISTICS
• A heuristic is a rule of thumb or general strategy that may or
may not lead to a solution but has less computational cost
than an algorithm
• A heuristic is a mental shortcut that allows people to solve
problems and make judgments quickly and efficiently .
these rule of thumb strategies shorten decision making
time and allow people to function without constantly
stopping to think their next course of action.
• Heuristics are simply common sense and a general way of
solving problem
• Aids to creative thinking when overcoming a problem
• Playing chess and rubiks cube example
REFERENCES
• Kellogg, R. T. (2003). Cognitive psychology. Thousand
Oaks, Calif: Sage Publications.
• Smith, E. E., & Kosslyn, S. M. (2007). Cognitive psychology:
Mind and brain. Upper Saddle River, N.J: Pearson/Prentice
Hall.
• Sternberg.J.R., Sternberg.K.,(2009).Cognitive Psychology .
6.edition.Wadsworth.Cengage learning.

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