Problem Solving

Problem solving is thinking that is directed towards a goal. It covers far more than dramatic obstacles or crises — repairing a broken bicycle, planning a summer trip, patching up a broken friendship, or something as ordinary as preparing a quick snack for a visiting friend all count, since a problem, in this sense, is any activity carried out to reach a defined goal. Every problem-solving situation has an initial state (the problem as it stands) and an end state (the goal), connected by a sequence of mental steps.

This sequence is laid out (Table 7.1) using the example of organising a school play for Teachers' Day: (1) identify the problem — a week is left and a play has to be organised; (2) represent the problem — break it into its parts, such as choosing a theme, casting actors, and arranging money; (3) plan the solution by setting sub-goals — survey available themes and consult teachers and friends with relevant expertise, weighing cost, duration and suitability; (4) evaluate all solutions — gather information and hold rehearsals for the candidate plays; (5) select one solution and execute it — compare and verify the options to pick the best one; (6) evaluate the outcome — once the play is performed, note what worked, for future reference; and (7) rethink and redefine the problem and solution — use the experience to plan an even better play next time. …