The Problem-Solving Process 1. What is the Problem-Solving

process?

1.1 Defined as, “a multi-step procedure (series of actions) used to develop workable solutions to problems.”

1.2 Includes the following steps:1.2.1. State the problem clearly1.2.2. Collect information1.2.3. Develop possible solutions1.2.4. Select the best solution1.2.5. Implement the solution1.2.6. Evaluate the solution

2. State the problem clearly2.1. Solving any problem starts with knowing what the problem is2.2. Stating a problem, in a sentence or two, helps to identify what the problem is, and it may help in the identification of a possible solution.

2.2.1. Example: For a long time, there was a problem that people who had paralyzed legs couldn’t drive a car because their feet couldn’t operate the brake & throttle

2.2.2. The problem was to develop a car that didn’t require the use of legs to operate these devices.

2.2.3. The solution was to develop a car that disabled people could operate with other parts of their body rather than legs or feet, which was the first step in the development of cars with hand- operated brakes & gas pedals

2.3. Sometimes the problem(s) aren’t so easy to identify

2.3.1. What about the situation of too much garbage? Is the problem:

2.3.1.1. Designing ways to remove the garbage?

2.3.1.2. Designing ways of re-using the garbage?

2.3.1.3. Designing ways of making products that create less garbage?2.3.1.4. A combination of all of the above?

2.4. What are some problems we are currently facing that may have a technological answer?

3. Collect information3.1. Once the problem has been clearly defined and is understood, information must be gathered that can be used to develop a good solution.3.2. Sources of good information:

3.2.1. Experts in that particular area3.2.2. Information gathered from people

who have experienced and solved a similar problem

3.2.3. Collect info. by conducting a controlled research project

3.2.4. The Internet (be careful though – there’s a lot of junk on the Internet)

3.2.5. Other sources of info. regarding the problem (case studies)

4. Develop Possible Solutions4.1. Most problems have more than one solution. The more possible solutions one can come up with, the better. That way, there are more options to choose from.4.2. Ways to develop solutions:

4.2.1. Brainstorming – in brainstorming, people try to think of as many possible solutions as they can. Then, all possible solutions are discussed to select the ones that show the most promise.

4.2.2. Trial & Error – Thomas Edison’s light bulb is an example. He tried many different types of material for the light bulb filament, and finally discovered that carbonized thread worked.

Failure is an invaluable part of the trial & error process – it helps narrow down the possible list of solutions, but ONLY IF THE PERSON TAKES GOOD NOTES AND REMEMBERS WHAT DIDN’T WORK!

4.2.3. By accident – sometimes a person will get really lucky and the solution to the problem will present itself accidentally.

4.2.3.1. Example: Post-It Notes. A 3M chemist named Arthur Fry was also a church choir director. He kept using pieces of paper to mark songs in the hymnal, but they didn’t stay in place very well. A fellow chemist at 3M named Spencer Silver had been experimenting

with adhesives and discovered a “not-too- sticky” adhesive that wasn’t sticky enough

for its intended purpose. No one could find a good use for the adhesive until Mr. Fry decided

to add a little of the adhesive to the pieces of paper, and this paved

the way for the development of 3M’s Post-it Note pads. 4.2.3.2. Penicillin was

discovered by accident when a scientist went on vacation for a week and mold began to grow on a Petri dish. The mold stopped the growth of bacteria and the discovery of Penicillin was made by accident.

4.3. Thinking Skills:4.3.1. All of the methods for

developing solutions have one thing in common – they require thinking skills.

4.3.1.1. Critical Thinking Skills – used to analyze problems

and make judgments – they help us identify problems.

4.3.1.2. Creative Thinking Skills – used to develop original

ideas or to improve on other people’s ideas – they help us find solutions.

4.3.1.3. Decision-Making Skills – used to make a choice among several possibilities – they help us identify and implement the best solution.

4.3.1.4. These skills are just that – skills. People usually aren’t born with good thinking skills; rather, the skills are practiced and made better over time, just like the use of a foreign language.

5. Select the Best Solution5.1. In order to select the best solution, all the possible solutions must be evaluated. This is done by:

5.1.1. Looking at all the advantages and disadvantages for each possible solution, to include:

5.1.1.1. Cost

5.1.1.2. Possible effect on the environment

5.1.1.3. Possible effect on society5.1.1.4. Would the solution cure

one problem but possibly create 2 or 3 more?

5.2. Part of good problem-solving is the realization that there is seldom a “perfect solution.” However, the best solution is

the one which solves the problem most perfectly and does so with the least number of disadvantages.

5.3. Sometimes, several solutions are chosen. For example, seatbelts and airbags are excellent ways to protect adults in the event of a crash, but both can be fatal to children.

6. Implement the Best Solution6.1. During this step, models are made & ideas are tested to ensure the best solution(s) are workable

6.1.1. Simulations are a good way to test solutions. In a simulation, equipment is set up in a lab or testing facility in a way that closely imitates the real-life experience.

6.1.1.1. Crash-test dummies are used by automobile makers to simulate the effects of a crash on the human body. The results let the engineers know if their safety solution actually helps or hurts the occupant

6.1.1.1. Crash-test dummies are used by automobile makers to simulate the effects of a crash on the human body. The results let the engineers know if their safety solution actually helps or hurts the occupant.6.1.1.2. The simulation also lets the engineers know if there are manufacturing problems that need to be solved6.1.1.2.1. Example – the Aces II ejection seat and canopy problems

7. Evaluate the Solution7.1. Problem-solving doesn’t end once the solution is put into effect.7.2. People (consumers) who buy the product/solution to the problem may encounter a whole new set of problems.

7.2.1. The product may be too difficult to use.

7.2.2. The product may quickly become obsolete because a company puts out a solution that works better, is cheaper to buy, and is easier to use (laser discs vs. DVD’s)

8. Similarities between the Problem-Solving Method & the Scientific Method8.1. Make an observation (state the problem)8.2. Collect info. (collect info.)8.3. Form a hypothesis (develop possible solutions)8.4. Perform experiments to test hypothesis (select and implement the best solution)8.5. Analyze the results (evaluate the solution)

The methods are almost identical

Chapter 2 (Pg. 43)

1. Outline Chapter2. Understanding Concepts (1 – 5)

3. Thinking Critically (1 – 5)4. Applying Concepts (1)

-- 1/2 pg. essay on why you think a method for solving problems is

important

DUE BY START OF CL!ASS TOMORROW