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Problem Solving

The document outlines the problem-solving process, which includes defining the problem, determining its cause, and implementing solutions. It discusses various methods of problem-solving, such as mechanical solutions, heuristic strategies, and insightful solutions, emphasizing the importance of understanding the problem for effective resolution. Additionally, it highlights the role of heuristics in narrowing down possible solutions and the concept of insight as a sudden realization that can lead to effective problem-solving.

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adnan shoukat
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3 views

Problem Solving

The document outlines the problem-solving process, which includes defining the problem, determining its cause, and implementing solutions. It discusses various methods of problem-solving, such as mechanical solutions, heuristic strategies, and insightful solutions, emphasizing the importance of understanding the problem for effective resolution. Additionally, it highlights the role of heuristics in narrowing down possible solutions and the concept of insight as a sudden realization that can lead to effective problem-solving.

Uploaded by

adnan shoukat
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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PROBLEM

SOLVING
WHAT IS PROBLEM SOLVING?
Defining the problem

Determining its cause

Identifying, prioritizing, and


selecting alternative solutions

Implementing a solution

If it doesn’t work then try an


alternative solution
DIFFEREN
T WAYS
OF
PROBLEM
SOLVING
MECHANICAL SOLUTIONS
Mechanical solutions are achieved by trial
and error.
• For example, if you forget the
combination to your bike lock, you
may be able to discover it by trial and
error.
• You forget your password, so you try
different combinations till you get it
right.
SOLUTIONS BY UNDERSTANDING
Many problems cannot be solved mechanically. In that case,
understanding (deeper comprehension of a problem) is necessary.
German psychologist Karl Duncker said that in order to find the
correct solution one needs to go through two phases.
1. Generate a general solution: Create a solution that correctly
states the requirements for success but not in enough detail for
further action.
2. Think of functional/workable/practical solutions, and selected the
best one.
HEURISTICS
• Any strategy or technique that aids problem solving, especially by limiting the
number of possible solutions to be tried.

• For example, you decide to look up an old friend 'Ahmed Khan' on Facebook.
You search online and find about +200 people named Ahmed khan. You could
either look at each profile until you find the right one or narrow down the search.
That’s when you remember that he mentioned once that he went to X school.
Adding the name of the school will help you narrow down the search and shorten
the list.
• A heuristic reduces the number of alternatives thinkers must consider.
HEURISTIC STRATEGIES
Some good heuristic strategies are:
• Try to identify how the current situation differs from the desired goal. Then find
steps that will reduce the difference.
• Try working backward from the desired goal to the starting point or current state.
• If you can’t reach the goal directly, try to identify an intermediate goal that at
least gets you closer.
• Represent the problem in other ways i.e., with graphs, diagrams, tables.
• Generate a possible solution and test it. Doing so may eliminate many
alternatives, or it may clarify what is needed for a solution.
ALTHOUGH HEURISTICS
LIKE THESE RAISE THE
ODDS OF SUCCESS, THEY
DO NOT GUARANTEE A
SOLUTION.
INSIGHTFUL SOLUTIONS
Insight is the apparent sudden solution to a problem sometime after
the problem has been presented.
Insights are based on reorganizing a problem. This allows us to see
problems in new ways and makes their solutions seem obvious.
INSIGHTFUL SOLUTIONS
Psychologist Janet Davidson believes that insight involves three abilities.
1. The first is selective encoding, which refers to selecting information that is
relevant to a problem while ignoring distractions.

2. Insight also relies on selective combination i.e., bringing together seemingly


unrelated bits of useful information.

3. A third source of insights is selective comparison. This is the ability to


compare new problems with old information or with problems already
solved.
DISCUSSION

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