What is meant by problem solving:
Problem solving is partly an psychological process of thinking by an individual. Problem solving behaviour can be seen mostly in exceptional situations. For any action, the person has a goal to achieve at any cost. In times of obstacles against achieving the goal, problem situation occurs. The obstacle may be physical, attitudinal, circumstantial, social or financial based. Whatever may be the category, it is a lively and activating agent functioning against the progress of the concerned individual. In such situations, solution may not be at reach by usual methods and means. The individual has the option for trial and error method to solve the problem. But a good knowledge of the reality of human life may help for quick solution. In this matter, the discussion is necessary in related matters.
Types of problem situations:
General and specific
Simple and complicated
From within and from outside
Having solution and no solution
Self solving and helped by others
Whatever may be the type, the problems should be solved at any cost with a little effort and enlightened confidence. If not, the individual will have to suffer with a loss of peace of mind. Sometimes, it may be time consuming to achieve a solution. In any situation, it is not at all recommended to recede from the effort towards solution. In such situation, the steps in problem solving should be kept in mind.
Scientific steps in problem solving:
The process of problem solving cannot be at random and sudden. It requires measured steps to follow with a scientific approach. There are seven steps which may be organized as advocated by John Deway:
Awareness of the problem: It is simply recognizing the problem. It happens sometimes that a problem is not recognized in its early stages. At one stage, the individual becomes aware of the problem facing for solution. It is just making the person to sense the presence of a problem. There is no going inside and understanding aspect of the problem.
Defining the problem: Only at this stage, the problem is defined for comprehension. By identifying and isolating the problem, an understanding is made information gathered with an exclusive reference to the problem. This is the first step that the concerned individual is getting into the problem.
Collecting relevant information data: Relevant information is collected from all possible sources that have bearing over the problem. Simultaneously appropriate tools like books and magazines are referred.
Formulation of hypothesis: This is of course drafting the plan of action. After understanding the problem and collecting facts, different possible plans are drafted. The individual is free to consult others if necessary along with own experiences, intelligence and other cognitive abilities in drafting the initial plans for solving the problem easily.
Evaluation of the hypothesis: The sample plans are taken for evaluation by putting into practice in solving the problem. All tentative solutions are closely analysed and evaluation made. An appropriate and final choice is made by the rightness of the results or consequences.
Verification of the plan of choice: The validity of the plan selected for action is tested by employing the same in solving the problem on hand and various similar problems. If they are found suitable for solving all such problems, it is accepted as the right plan for the current problem.
Choosing another plan if unsuccessful: In case the plan selected for action is unfortunately not found practically to solve the current problem, the freedom is there to have an alternative choice from the list already on hand.
Problem of problem solving:
As discussed above, problem solving cannot be at a flash of right plan. Care is required at every stage in formulation, evaluation, verification and final choice. Otherwise, repeated failures will be the result in solving the current problem and shifting over to another choice will be an unwanted rolling on. In this sense, the problem solving is indeed itself considered as a problem. In such context, only previous experience and correlation techniques help a lot.
Problem solving is partly an psychological process of thinking by an individual. Problem solving behaviour can be seen mostly in exceptional situations. For any action, the person has a goal to achieve at any cost. In times of obstacles against achieving the goal, problem situation occurs. The obstacle may be physical, attitudinal, circumstantial, social or financial based. Whatever may be the category, it is a lively and activating agent functioning against the progress of the concerned individual. In such situations, solution may not be at reach by usual methods and means. The individual has the option for trial and error method to solve the problem. But a good knowledge of the reality of human life may help for quick solution. In this matter, the discussion is necessary in related matters.
Types of problem situations:
General and specific
Simple and complicated
From within and from outside
Having solution and no solution
Self solving and helped by others
Whatever may be the type, the problems should be solved at any cost with a little effort and enlightened confidence. If not, the individual will have to suffer with a loss of peace of mind. Sometimes, it may be time consuming to achieve a solution. In any situation, it is not at all recommended to recede from the effort towards solution. In such situation, the steps in problem solving should be kept in mind.
Scientific steps in problem solving:
The process of problem solving cannot be at random and sudden. It requires measured steps to follow with a scientific approach. There are seven steps which may be organized as advocated by John Deway:
Awareness of the problem: It is simply recognizing the problem. It happens sometimes that a problem is not recognized in its early stages. At one stage, the individual becomes aware of the problem facing for solution. It is just making the person to sense the presence of a problem. There is no going inside and understanding aspect of the problem.
Defining the problem: Only at this stage, the problem is defined for comprehension. By identifying and isolating the problem, an understanding is made information gathered with an exclusive reference to the problem. This is the first step that the concerned individual is getting into the problem.
Collecting relevant information data: Relevant information is collected from all possible sources that have bearing over the problem. Simultaneously appropriate tools like books and magazines are referred.
Formulation of hypothesis: This is of course drafting the plan of action. After understanding the problem and collecting facts, different possible plans are drafted. The individual is free to consult others if necessary along with own experiences, intelligence and other cognitive abilities in drafting the initial plans for solving the problem easily.
Evaluation of the hypothesis: The sample plans are taken for evaluation by putting into practice in solving the problem. All tentative solutions are closely analysed and evaluation made. An appropriate and final choice is made by the rightness of the results or consequences.
Verification of the plan of choice: The validity of the plan selected for action is tested by employing the same in solving the problem on hand and various similar problems. If they are found suitable for solving all such problems, it is accepted as the right plan for the current problem.
Choosing another plan if unsuccessful: In case the plan selected for action is unfortunately not found practically to solve the current problem, the freedom is there to have an alternative choice from the list already on hand.
Problem of problem solving:
As discussed above, problem solving cannot be at a flash of right plan. Care is required at every stage in formulation, evaluation, verification and final choice. Otherwise, repeated failures will be the result in solving the current problem and shifting over to another choice will be an unwanted rolling on. In this sense, the problem solving is indeed itself considered as a problem. In such context, only previous experience and correlation techniques help a lot.
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