Methods Of Problem Solving

Problem solving is a psychological concept. Psychology is defined as the scientific study which involves the study of both mind and behaviour of an individual. Problem solving is a skill which we use to deal with our problems. A problem can be defined as a situation which creates some kind of obstacles in our lives. Problem solving is the way to overcome the obstacles. Effective problem solving is required for solving any kind of problem.

There are four steps that are involved in this process. First is DEFINING THE PROBLEM, i.e., recognizing of problem. It is the first and an important step as in this step one tries to identify what the problem is. Then is DEVELOPING POSSIBLE SOLUTION, it is stage of incubation. This involves thinking of all the possible solutions for a particular problem. This step requires the creativity of an individual. The third step is SELECTING AND EVALUATING THE BEST POSSIBLE SOLUTION. This again is an important step as one goes through all the possible solution and tries to find the best solution. And the last step of this process is to IMPLEMENTATION, i.e., executing the solution that has been selected. During this step one has to make sure that the solution that is selected is performed in a proper way so that the problem can be solved.

Different method that can be used for problem solving are-

Trial and error method

Trying all possible ways to solve a problem, till the time you don’t get the best one. In this method one thinks of all the possible solutions and try them all, till the time they get the best solution for the problem.

Use of Algorithms

This method guarantees a solution for a particular problem. Only one solution for a particular problem. For example: the manual or guides that we get with our electronics etc.

Heuristics method

It is a method that involves mental shortcuts. In this method, one uses his past experiences to solve a problem; because they feel that it helped in solving the problem in past, so it will work again.

Means and end analysis method

In this method problem is divided into parts and one part is solved at a time.

Insight method

This method involves spontaneous response to solve the problem. The first thing that comes to one’s mind is used for solving the problem.

These are few methods which are used for for problem solving…..