In cognitive psychology, the term 'problem-solving' refers to the mental process that people go through to discover, analyze, and solve problems.
It comes in to play when there is a goal that we want to achieve but are not sure of the process to be followed. Problem solving is figuring out the ways to achieve what we wish, be it Personal or professional goals.
Problem Solving involves these 5 steps;
1. Discovery of the problem.
2. Deciding to tackle the issue.
3. Seeking to understand the problem more fully.
4. Researching available options or solutions.
5. Taking action to resolve the issue.
Before problem-solving can occur, it is important to first understand the exact nature of the problem itself. If your understanding of the issue is faulty, your attempts to resolve it will also be incorrect or flawed;
Several mental processes are at work during problem-solving. Among them are:
Perceptually recognizing the problem.
Representing the problem in memory.
Considering relevant information that applies to the problem.
Identifying different aspects of the problem.
Labelling and describing the problem;
Problem Solving Approaches
There are many ways to go about solving a problem. Some of these strategies might be used on their own, or you may decide to employ multiple approaches when working to figure out and fix a problem.
Algorithms;
It is a step-by-step procedure that, it implies following certain "rules" that produce a definite solution. Algorithms are commonly used in mathematics and computer programming.
Algorithms is the methodical process that that guarantee an accurate answer. However, they aren't always the best approach to problem-solving, as they can be incredibly time-consuming.
Heuristics;
These are the shortcut strategies that people can use to solve a problem at hand. These are "rule of thumb" approaches that allow you to simplify complex problems, reducing the total number of possible solutions to a more manageable set.
Heuristics are learned experiences; it simply means re-trying something that has worked for you in the past. 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.
Trial and Error;
A trial-and-error approach to problem-solving involves trying a number of potential solutions to a particular issue, then ruling out those that do not work. This is an experimental approach, which implies continuous trial till you succeed.
This can be a good strategy to use if you have a limited number of solutions available. But if there are many different choices available, narrowing down the possible options using another problem-solving technique can be helpful before attempting trial and error.
Insight;
In some cases, the solution to a problem can appear as a sudden insight. You are facing an issue in a relationship or your career when, out of nowhere, the solution appears in your mind and you know exactly what to do. Insight can be result of experience, observation, accident or inspiration.
Insight can occur when the problem in front of you is similar to an issue that you've dealt with in the past. Although, you may not recognize what is occurring since the underlying mental processes that lead to insight often happen outside of conscious awareness.
How to Apply Problem-Solving Strategies in Real Life
If you're facing a problem, you can implement one or more of these strategies to find a potential solution. Here's how to use them in real life:
1. Try what worked for you the last Time - If the problem is not critical and is recurring in nature try the solution that worked for you the last time you face the similar problem.
2. Create a flow chart - If you have time, you can take advantage of the algorithm approach to problem-solving by sitting down and making a flow chart of each potential solution, its consequences, and what happens next.
3. Recall your past experiences - When a problem needs to be solved fairly quickly, heuristics may be a better approach. Think back to when you faced a similar issue, then use your knowledge and experience to choose the best option possible.
4. Start trying potential solutions - If your options are limited, start trying them one by one to see which solution is best for achieving your desired goal. If a particular solution doesn't work, move on to the next.
5. Take some time alone - Since insight is often achieved when you're alone, carve out time to be by yourself for a while. The answer to your problem may come to you, seemingly out of the blue, if you spend some time away from others.
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3 окт 2024
