Problem Solving Strategies & Techniques An Overview of Possibilities

A Brief Outline of Strategies/Techniques Algorithm Methodology Heuristic Approaches Computer Simulations Analogies Modeling Role Playing Criticism and Suggestion Public Solutions

Specific Strategies Algorithm (Matlin, 2005) 1. List of specific procedures, recipes, formulas, or set of directions. 2.Types of algorithms a. Maze algorithm b. Split Half Method 3. Requires an exhaustive search Methodology is time consuming and does not assure results.

Heuristic approaches Hill Climbing Heuristic(Matlin,2005) 1. Imagine Climbing Hill 2. Select alternatives that directly achieve goal May Achieve short term goals, but may not serve to achieve long term solutions

Means-End Heuristic (Matlin, 2005) Divide problem into set of smaller problems Diminish the discrepancy between the sub problems and the desired goal. This is useful in a couple of ways. First, it requires the identification of the end result. This, then helps to identify the means or method to be used to achieve the end. There are two approaches to this. One is the approaching forward from the beginning to the end phase. The other approach is to proceed from the end goal to the beginning stage.

Computer Simulation (Matlin, 2005) Computer programs developed to demonstrate a task performed by humans Examples of computer simulations are flight simulations, driver’s education simulations, way game simulations

Analogies(Matlin,2005) Defined as using a solution from previous problem or issue to find solution for current problem Problem isomorphs-set of problems that have similar fundamental structures, but have dissimilar features Appropriate uses 1. Identify structurally similar problems 2. solving of statistical problems if properly trained in method.

Modeling (Harris,1998) Purpose 1. Make idea tangible 2. Determine possible connections between ideas 3. Simplification of complex issues 4. Present problem in a manner that permits understanding and solutions

Modeling, cont’d Modeling Categories 1. Conceptual a. Used to make idea concrete 2. Structural a. Models of physical structures

Modeling, cont’d Modeling Types 1. Visual 2. Physical 3. Mathematical 4. Analogical Visual modeling includes drawing a picture or other representation. Physical is an extension of visual in that it incorporates a three dimensional model or representation. Mathematical is a model that uses calculations and are effective when stating multidimensional problems on a larger scale. Analogical models are useful because it compares an unfamiliar problem to something familiar

Role Playing (Harris,1998) Three different techniques 1. Mental Practice. 2. Become someone else 3. Mental transformation Mental Practice is defined as rehearsing the situation mentally. Becoming someone else means imagining being someone who is the problem or solution. Mental Transformation is changing oneself into the problem

Criticism & Suggestion (Harris, 1998) Defined as incorporation of observations of critics to make improvements to a plan

Criticism & Suggestions, cont’d Some basic guiding principles a. Advanced selection of set nmber of people b. Frame appeal in a constructive manner c. Ask several different kinds of people d. After gaining confidence, request analysis of deficiencies

Public Solutions (Harris,1998) Place problem and request for solutions in a public forum and have solutions forwarded to you. In public problem solving discussions, this is useful in three ways. 1. Stimulating interest and discussion, motivates others to assume responsibility for otheres problems, and 3. encourages problem solving attitudes in group members

References Cited Harris, Robert. (2002) Problem Solving Techniques. Retrieved September 8, 2008 from http//www.virtualsoft.com Matlin, Margaret W. (2005) Cognition (6th ed) Danvers, MA. Wiley & Sons