1. Problem Solving Strategies & Techniques
An Overview of Possibilities

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

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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.

8. 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

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

10. 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

11. 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

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

13. 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

14. 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

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