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Problem Solving

Problem Solving. Panther Prep North Central High School. Quote. “Shall we flip a coin?” Maybe not—50% of the time you may lose!. Heuristics. A heuristic is a general guide to solving a problem.

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Problem Solving

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  1. Problem Solving Panther Prep North Central High School

  2. Quote “Shall we flip a coin?” Maybe not—50% of the time you may lose!

  3. Heuristics • A heuristic is a general guide to solving a problem. • Heuristics are rules of thumb, not guaranteed to work perfectly but will often dramatically increase the odds of a successful solution. • Example: the process one goes through when buying a car.

  4. Research and define the problem Determine the cause(s) of the problem Generate solutions for the problem Decide on the best solution Implement the solution Evaluate the solution A Six-Step Problem Solving Heuristic

  5. Step 1: Research and Define the Problem • Thoroughly familiarize oneself with the situation and its possible causes • Ask questions: have we encountered this problem before? • Research using the Internet, local news sources, and personal interviews.

  6. Present State I weigh 170 lbs. Desired State I weigh 150 lbs (stated in present tense) Present State/Desired State

  7. Step 2: Determine the Cause(s) of the Problem • A Trouble-Shooting Analysis (TSA) can sharpen the determination of causes. • What is or what is not causing the problem? • Once the problem-solver decides on the cause of the problem, he/she needs to check her conclusions against the TSA questions.

  8. Step 3: Generating Solutions • Research is the best way to generate solutions • Try brainstorming: use the “brain” to create a “storm” of ideas” – Alex Osborne, early 1900s • Try “random simulation”: break out of linear thinking by thinking of related ideas to randomly generated words

  9. Step 3: Generating Solutions (cont’d) • Try “futuring”: imagine that you are in the future, where anything is possible. It may yield impossible-sounding ideas that are indeed possible. • Try Other People’s Views (OPV): Think about the problem from another person’s Point of View. • Try a Graphic Organizer: a graphic method for organizing and displaying a list of possibilities

  10. 4. Decide on the Best Solution • The alternatives to solve the problem must be analyzed in detail to determine the best solution • Reconsider some of the ideas generated in defining the problem and identifying its causes • Try the Wants/Needs Analysis (WNA): defining the key criteria for your choices and then measuring the alternatives against the criteria

  11. 4. Decide on the Best Solution • WNA • List key criteria or measures of effectiveness • Generate a short list of “must” criteria • For an alternative to pass through the “must” filter—it must meet or exceed requirements • Ex. Buying a new house—list essential qualities house must have

  12. 4. Decide on the Best Solution • WNA • Then generate a list of desirable but not essential features— “want” criteria • Desirable, but not a deal breaker if absent • Grading scale that permits comparison

  13. 4. Decide on the Best Solution • Choose the best alternative that you can live with! • You can decide differently than a heuristic recommends • Next, be ready to follow through with your decision…

  14. 5. Implement the Solution • An essential part of solving the problem is listing the series of specific steps to make it happen and then carrying them out • Flowcharts can help depict the sequence of steps

  15. 5. Implement the Solution • The Contingency Plan • Helps you anticipate what might go wrong in the implementation process • List all possible problems, their causes, and possible effects • Develop a Plan A and a Plan B for fallback measures

  16. 6. Evaluate the Solution • Have I really solved the original problem, and I have done so in the best way? • Seek feedback to help with this process • Develop a check-up schedule to inspect and monitor the problem solution

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