Problem Solving

Panther Prep

North Central High School

Quote

“Shall we flip a coin?”

Maybe not—50% of the time you may lose!

Heuristics

A heuristic is a general guide to solving a problem.Heuristics are rules of thumb, not guaranteed to work perfectly but will often dramatically increase the odds of a successful solution.Example: the process one goes through when buying a car.

A Six-Step Problem Solving Heuristic

Research and define the problem

Determine the cause(s) of the problem

Generate solutions for the problem

Decide on the best solution

Implement the solution

Evaluate the solution

Step 1: Research and Define the Problem

Thoroughly familiarize oneself with the situation and its possible causes

Ask questions: have we encountered this problem before?

Research using the Internet, local news sources, and personal interviews.

Present State/Desired State

Present State

I weigh 170 lbs.

Desired State

I weigh 150 lbs (stated in present tense)

Step 2: Determine the Cause(s) of the Problem

A Trouble-Shooting Analysis (TSA) can sharpen the determination of causes. What is or what is not causing the problem?Once the problem-solver decides on the cause of the problem, he/she needs to check her conclusions against the TSA questions.

Step 3: Generating Solutions

Research is the best way to generate solutionsTry brainstorming: use the “brain” to create a “storm” of ideas” – Alex Osborne, early 1900sTry “random simulation”: break out of linear thinking by thinking of related ideas to randomly generated words

Step 3: Generating Solutions (cont’d)

Try “futuring”: imagine that you are in the future, where anything is possible. It may yield impossible-sounding ideas that are indeed possible.Try Other People’s Views (OPV): Think about the problem from another person’s Point of View.Try a Graphic Organizer: a graphic method for organizing and displaying a list of possibilities

4. Decide on the Best Solution

The alternatives to solve the problem must be analyzed in detail to determine the best solutionReconsider some of the ideas generated in defining the problem and identifying its causesTry the Wants/Needs Analysis (WNA): defining the key criteria for your choices and then measuring the alternatives against the criteria

4. Decide on the Best Solution

WNA– List key criteria or measures of

effectiveness• Generate a short list of “must” criteria

• For an alternative to pass through the “must” filter—it must meet or exceed requirements

– Ex. Buying a new house—list essential qualities house must have

4. Decide on the Best Solution

WNA– Then generate a list of desirable but not

essential features— “want” criteria • Desirable, but not a deal breaker if absent

• Grading scale that permits comparison

MUSTS 1316 Elm St.

7623 Hardy

4723 Main Ave.

2149 Dunlap Ave.

5272 E. Hens-ridge

1. The house must cost less than $200,000

Yes Yes No Yes Yes

2. The house must have at least 4 bed rooms

Yes Yes Yes Yes

3. The house must have at least a 2-car garage

Yes No Yes Yes

4. House must have at least 2 full bathrooms

Yes Yes No

WantsImportance= ISatisfaction = S

I 1-10

S0-101316 Elm St.

I x S= pts S0-102149 Dunlap Av

I x S = pts

1. Jacuzzi 7 8 56 6 42

2. Fireplace 3 7 21 0 0

3. Swimming Pool

9 8 72 8 72

4. Picket Fence 7 0 0 9 63

5. Friendly neighbors

8 6 48 8 64

6. Park nearby 5 3 15 2 10

Total (I x S) score

221 251

4. Decide on the Best Solution

Choose the best alternative that you can live with!– You can decide differently than a heuristic

recommends

Next, be ready to follow through with your decision…

5. Implement the Solution

An essential part of solving the problem is listing the series of specific steps to make it happen and then carrying them out– Flowcharts can help depict the sequence

of steps

5. Implement the Solution

The Contingency Plan– Helps you anticipate what might go wrong

in the implementation process– List all possible problems, their causes,

and possible effects– Develop a Plan A and a Plan B for fallback

measures

6. Evaluate the Solution

Have I really solved the original problem, and I have done so in the best way?

Seek feedback to help with this process

Develop a check-up schedule to inspect and monitor the problem solution