Problem Solving

PROBLEM SOLVING

Humans have an unmatched ability to solve problems and adapt to the challenges of their world. The remarkable problem-solving abilities of the pilot and copilot of Right 118 enabled them to rapidly implement and execute a plan for successfully flying their badly mangled jetliner and saving the lives of the terrified passengers.

In accomplishing their astonishing feat, the pilot and copilot had to rapidly gain an understanding of the problem they were facing, generate a solution, test that solution, and then evaluate the results.

Problem solving typically proceeds through four stages. How well we carry out each of these stages determines our success in solving the problem.

Most of us have had the experience of feeling totally frustrated in our attempts to solve a problem. We may even think that the problem is unsolvable. Then someone suggests a new way of looking at the problem, and the solution suddenly becomes obvious. How we mentally represent, or frame, a problem can make a huge difference.

Our initial understanding of a problem is a key step toward a successful solution. If we frame a problem poorly, we can easily be led into a maze of blind alleys and ineffective solutions. If we frame it optimally, we at least have a chance to generate an effective solution. A knack for framing problems in effective ways that differ from conventional expectations has been called outside-the-box thinking; it is a prized ability in many academic and work environments.

Once we have interpreted the problem, we can begin to formulate potential solutions or explanations. Ideally, we might proceed in the following fashion: Determine which procedures and explanations will be considered; and Determine which solutions are consistent with the evidence that has so far been observed. Rule out any solutions that do not fit the evidence.

Consider the possible solutions that remain. If a solution requires you to choose between specific explanations, ask if there is any test that should give one result if a different explanation is true. If so, evaluate the explanations again in light of the evidence from that test. In essence, this is what scientists do when they design experiments.

The final stage of problem solving is to evaluate the solutions. Even solutions that prove successful may not be the easiest or the best. Thus, after solving a problem,