Problem Solving

PROBLEM SOLVING
NAILA JAMIL
• Problem-solving refers to the mental process that people go through to
discover, analyze and solve problems.
• A problem can be defined as ‘where there is a need to bridge gap between a

current situation and a desired situation
• Some problems are easy to solve, others require great effort, and some may
be unsolvable. The problems we must solve can differ along several
dimensions. One way problems differ is that some of them are well-defined
and others are ill-defined.
• Well-de fined problems have all their components specified, as in
algebraic equations; the goal of the problem is quite clear
• Ill-defined problems have a degree of uncertainty about the

starting point, needed operations and final product. A well-defined
problem, for example, might take the form of How should I use the
word processor to fit a 500-word essay on two pages?
• An ill-defined question might take the form of How can I write the
type of paper that will get me a higher percentage of marks?”
PROBLEM SOLVING MODEL
Steps in Problem Solving
Step 1-Define the problem
• Identifying, clarifying and exploring the problem.
• Specify underlying causes
• State the problem specifically
• Determine in which process the problem lies
• Avoid trying to solve the problem without data
Step 2-Generate alternative solutions
• Thinking of ways to tackle the problem and choosing one way
• Specify alternatives consistent with organizational goals
• Specify short- and long-term alternatives
• Brainstorm on others' ideas
• Seek alternatives that may solve the problem
• Step 3-Evaluate and select an alternative
• Skilled problem solvers use a series of considerations when selecting the best alternative.
They consider the extent to which:
• A particular alternative will solve the problem without causing other unanticipated problems.
• All the individuals involved will accept the alternative.
• Implementation of the alternative is likely.
• The alternative fits within the organizational constraints.
Step 4-Implement and follow up on the solution
• Plan and implement the solution.
• Gather feedback from all affected parties
• Seek acceptance or consensus by all those affected
• Establish ongoing measures and monitoring
• Evaluate long-term results based on final solution
Problem-Solving Strategies
• Algorithms: An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure that will always produce
a correct solution. While an algorithm guarantees an accurate answer, it is not
always the best approach to problem solving.
• Heuristics: A heuristic is a mental rule-of-thumb strategy that may or may not
work in certain situations. Unlike algorithms, heuristics do not always
guarantee a correct solution.

• Trial-and-Error: A trial-and-error approach to problem- solving involves trying
a number of different solutions and ruling out those that do not work. This
approach can be a good option if you have a very limited number of options
available.
• Insight: In some cases, the solution to a problem can appear as a sudden

insight. According to researchers, insight can occur because you realize that
the problem is actually similar to something that you have dealt with in the
past, but in most cases the underlying mental
OBSTACLES AND AIDS TO PROBLEM SOLVING
• sometimes strategies used to solve problems may become obstacles in problem
solving.
• Mental set: A mental set consists of a frame of mind involving an existing model for
representing a problem, a problem context, or a procedure for problem solving.”
• It is helpful in problem solving to use a solution that has worked before. It may,
however, become a problem if you insist on using a particular strategy to solve a
problem (even if it does not work) and cannot think of any other way to do it because
this was a strategy that had worked in the past. Mental sets can make it difficult for a
doctor to determine the cause of an illness
FUNCTIONAL FIXEDNESS
• Functional fixedness is a particular kind of mental set that only allows objects to have a fixed
functionality. This refers to the tendency to try and solve problems only in one particular
way. It occurs when we are unable to recognize that an object or thinking tool may be used
for something other than its intended use.
• This prevents us from creatively solving a problem. A clothes hanger, for example, is an
object intended to hang clothes in a cupboard. Functional fixedness is the mental block that
dictates this is its only use. This would prevent one, for example, from using the hanger to
unlock a car door when the keys have been left inside.
MISLEADING INFORMATION
• In a complicated problem there may be large amounts of data available,

which may distract from the information required to arrive real solution.
• It is important, therefore, to be able to separate information with respect to

relevance when solving a problem. This is especially the case with admitted
patients who have under gone many investigations.
TRANSFER
• Transfer refers to “the extent to which knowledge and skills acquired in one
situation affect a person’s learning or performance in a subsequent situation.
• This is obviously an important problem solving technique, but can cause

obstacles as well.
• Negative transfer occurs when one attempts to solve a second problem with
the same strategy as the first one. An example of negative transfer is when
one switches from driving a manual transmission car to an automatic one and
keeps trying to switch gears.

Problem Solving

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PROBLEM SOLVING

• A problem can be defined as ‘where there is a need to bridge gap between a

• Ill-defined problems have a degree of uncertainty about the

• Algorithms: An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure that will always produce

a correct solution. While an algorithm guarantees an accurate answer, it is not

always the best approach to problem solving.

• Heuristics: A heuristic is a mental rule-of-thumb strategy that may or may not

work in certain situations. Unlike algorithms, heuristics do not always

guarantee a correct solution.

• Insight: In some cases, the solution to a problem can appear as a sudden

for something other than its intended use.

• In a complicated problem there may be large amounts of data available,

• It is important, therefore, to be able to separate information with respect to

• This is obviously an important problem solving technique, but can cause

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