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Lect 3 - Problem Solving and Critical Thinking'

Here are potential solutions to these problem solving scenarios using the steps of problem solving: THE LIFE BOAT: 1) Define the problem - Need to choose a lifeboat group with limited space 2) Generate solutions - Help families, help seniors, go with strong group 3) Evaluate solutions - Families and seniors need help most. Strong group benefits self most. 4) Implement solution - Help families group as they need assistance most and it is ethical to prioritize vulnerable groups 5) Determine effectiveness - Helping vulnerable groups is most ethical even if personal risk is greater SARCASTIC FRIEND: 1) Define problem - Friend's sarcasm hurts others and makes you uncomfortable 2

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22 views24 pages

Lect 3 - Problem Solving and Critical Thinking'

Here are potential solutions to these problem solving scenarios using the steps of problem solving: THE LIFE BOAT: 1) Define the problem - Need to choose a lifeboat group with limited space 2) Generate solutions - Help families, help seniors, go with strong group 3) Evaluate solutions - Families and seniors need help most. Strong group benefits self most. 4) Implement solution - Help families group as they need assistance most and it is ethical to prioritize vulnerable groups 5) Determine effectiveness - Helping vulnerable groups is most ethical even if personal risk is greater SARCASTIC FRIEND: 1) Define problem - Friend's sarcasm hurts others and makes you uncomfortable 2

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PROBLEM SOLVING

CRITICAL THINKING
LECTURE 3, 4
02-03-2023
PROBLEM SOLVING
• A process whereby a dilemma is identified and corrected.

• Problem solving is a process to choose and use the effective and beneficial
tool and behaviors among the different potentialities to reach the target.

• It contains scientific method, critical thinking, taking decision, examining


and reflective thinking. Critical thinking is the ability to question
philosophically and exercise careful judgment when evaluating a situation
PROBLEM SOLVING
• Problem solving is the act of defining a problem; determining the cause of
the problem; identifying, prioritizing, and selecting alternatives for a

solution; and implementing a solution.


PROBLEM SOLVING TECHNIQUES

1. Define the problem


2. Generate possible solutions
3. Evaluate and select best solution
4. Implement the solution
5. Determine effectiveness of solution
1. DEFINE THE PROBLEM

• Diagnose the situation so that your focus is on the problem, not just its
symptoms. Helpful problem-solving techniques include using flowcharts to
identify the expected steps of a process and cause-and-effect diagrams to
define and analyze root causes.
2. GENERATE POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS

• Considering multiple alternatives can significantly enhance the value of your


ideal solution.
• Once you have decided on the "what should be" model, this target standard
becomes the basis for developing a road map for investigating alternatives.
• Brainstorming and group problem-solving techniques are both useful tools in
this stage of problem solving.
Problem
Problem Solving
Solving
Techniques
Techniques

Nominal
Nominal
Brain-
Brain- Delphi
Delphi
Group
Group
storming
storming Technique
Technique
Technique
Technique
BRAINSTORMING

A creativity technique by which efforts are made to find a


conclusion for a specific problem by gathering a list of ideas
spontaneously contributed by its members.
Example, SWOT Analysis (strengths, weaknesses,
opportunities, threats
NOMINAL GROUP TECHNIQUE

• Nominal group technique (NGT) is defined as a structured method for group


brainstorming that encourages contributions from everyone and facilitates quick
agreement on the relative importance of issues, problems, or solutions.
• Team members begin by writing down their ideas, then selecting which idea they
feel is best.
• Once team members are ready, everyone presents their favorite idea, and the
suggestions are then discussed and prioritized by the entire group using a point
system.
• NGT combines the importance ratings of individual group members into the final
weighted priorities of the group.
NOMINAL GROUP TECHNIQUE

1. Small group
assembled

6. Alternatives are
2. Leader presents
rated and best
a problem
rated one is chosen

5. Group clarifies
3. Members write
and evaluates all
down ideas
suggestions
individually
4. Each member
presents one idea
to group
DELPHI
TECHNIQUE 1. Select a panel of experts.

2. Create a questionnaire of open ended questions.


The Delphi technique is a well-
established approach to answer a 3. Compile and summarize expert responses into
research question through the
identification of a consensus view written report.
across subject experts.
It allows for reflection among 4. Experts list their reasons agreeing/disagreeing
participants, who are able to reconsider
their opinion based on the anonymized with report.
opinions of others.
5. Repeat step 3 and 4 until consensus is reached.
3. EVALUATE AND SELECT BEST SOLUTION

• Decide which options you like and which you don’t like.
• After weighing the pros and cons of each, choose an option that you both feel
comfortable with.
4. IMPLEMENT THE SOLUTION

• Once a solution has been found to meet everyone’s needs while keeping
everyone’s self-respect and self-esteem intact, then make a plan to follow

through and implement it.


5. DETERMINE EFFECTIVENESS OF SOLUTION

• Did it work? If yes, great! Consider how your solution may be applicable to
other different problems. Ask how the problem can be prevented from
happening again.
• What if it didn’t work? Go back to step one or try out the other possible
solutions that you made in step 3.
PROBLEM SOLVING APPROACHES

• Algorithm

• Heuristics

• Analogy Approach

• Trial & Error


Algorithms

An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure that, by following certain "rules" produces


a solution. Algorithms are commonly used in mathematics to solve division or
multiplication problems. But they can be used in other fields as well.

 In psychology, algorithms can be used to help identify individuals with a greater


risk of mental health issues. For instance, research suggests that certain algorithms
might help us recognize children with an elevated risk of suicide or self-harm.

 One benefit of algorithms is that they guarantee an accurate answer. However, they
aren't always the best approach to problem-solving, in part because detecting patterns
can be incredibly time-consuming.
Heuristics
 Heuristics are shortcut strategies that people can use to solve a problem at hand. These
"rule of thumb" approaches allow you to simplify complex problems, reducing the total
number of possible solutions to a more manageable set.
 If you find yourself sitting in a traffic jam, for example, you may quickly consider other
routes, taking one to get moving once again. When shopping for a new car, you might think
back to a prior experience when negotiating got you a lower price, then employ the same
tactics.
 While heuristics may be helpful when facing smaller issues, major decisions shouldn't
necessarily be made using a shortcut approach. Heuristics also don't guarantee an effective
solution, such as when trying to drive around a traffic jam only to find yourself on an
equally crowded route.
ANALOGY APPROACH

 To solve a problem by recalling some previous, similar problem


and applying its solution to your current problem.

• Using an old solution to solve a new problem

• Analogy = Superficial features are different, but same at a deep


level
 Analogies are missed unless people are given hints that they are
related, or multiple related stories.

Example:
A psychotherapist might realize how to help one patient by
recalling his approach to a similar patient a year ago.
TRIAL & ERROR

• Problem solving strategy in which multiple


solution are attempted until the correct one is found.
• Most direct route to the goal
• If proves to be incorrect, choose an alternative
method
• Time consuming & most commonly used
 May fail to choose the less direct alternative which may have long-
term benefits.
 Without any sense of choice.
Example:
 Puzzle, Maze
 Restarting phone, turning wifi to determine why your phone is not
working.
If you're not sure whether to buy a shirt in blue or green, for instance,
you may try on each before deciding which one to purchase.
ACTIVITY
• Certain scenarios will be given to students and they will solve those using steps
of problem-solving and keeping ethics in mind.
1. You are stuck in traffic and late for work again.
2. I always work hard but still I do not get good grades. What should I do to
improve my grades?
3. Two of your members do not get along. There are many hard feelings
between the two and they refuse to communicate with one another.
4. A company has got an additional project. To manage the extra work, a
discussion is made between employees of the company and they give
different suggestions.
PROBLEM SOLVING SCENARIOS
THE LIFE BOAT SARCASTIC FRIEND

You are on a cruise and the ship encounters an Your friend has a great sense of humour.
unexpected storm. The storm continues to rage and However, sometimes his jokes involve
eventually you and the other passengers are told you making fun of others in inappropriate ways.
must head to the lifeboats and abandon ship. As He will point out a physical flaw or look for
people begin to line up, you realize some lines have something odd or different about a person
fewer people, some have families, and some seem to and make an unkind comment. You feel
have younger, single people. You know you are strong uncomfortable when your friend does this.
and capable. Do you choose to help a group composed Do you say something or just laugh along
of three families with a few young children, a group with him?
of seniors who obviously could use your help, or go
with the young, strong people, with whom you might
have a better chance of survival?

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