Problem Solving

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[edit] Problem Solving and Thinking

Quoting from the Wikipedia:

Problem solving forms part of thinking. Considered the most complex of all intellectual functions, problem solving has been defined as higher-order cognitive process that requires the modulation and control of more routine or fundamental skills (Goldstein & Levin, 1987). It occurs if an organism or an artificial intelligence system does not know how to proceed from a given state to a desired goal state. It is part of the larger problem process that includes problem finding and problem shaping.

[edit] Definition of Problem

This document considers problem solving to include:

  • Question situations: recognizing, posing, clarifying, and answering questions.
  • Problem situations: recognizing, posing, clarifying, and then solving problems.
  • Task situations: recognizing, posing, clarifying, and accomplishing tasks.
  • Decision situations: recognizing, posing, clarifying, and making good decisions.
  • Using higher-order critical, creative, wise, and foresightful thinking to do all of the above. Often the results are shared, demonstrated, or used as a product, performance, or presentation.

Here is a definition of problem that fits well in many different disciplines. You (personally) have a problem if the following four conditions are satisfied:

  1. You have a clearly defined given initial situation.
  2. You have a clearly defined goal (a desired end situation). Some writers talk about having multiple goals in a problem. However, such a multiple goal situation can be broken down into a number of single-goal problems.
  3. You have a clearly defined set of resources that may be applicable in helping you move from the given initial situation to the desired goal situation. These typically include some of your time, knowledge, and skills. Resources might include money, the Web, and the telecommunication system. There may be specified limitations on resources, such as rules, regulations, guidelines, and time lines for what you are allowed to do in attempting to solve a particular problem.
  4. You have some ownership—you are committed to using some of your own resources, such as your knowledge, skills, time, and energy, to achieve the desired final goal.

In many problem-solving situations, ICT and computerized tools are resources of the type mentioned in the third part of the definition. These resources have grown more powerful over the years. That is one reason why it is so important to integrate the use of computers in problem solving thoroughly into the basic fabric of academic courses.

The fourth part of the definition of a problem is particularly important. Unless you have ownership—through an appropriate combination of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation—you do not have a problem. Motivation, especially intrinsic motivation, is a huge topic in its own right, and I will not attempt to explore it in detail in this book. Edward Vockell maintains an online book, Educational Psychology: A Practical Workbook. The fifth chapter provides a nice discussion of motivation.

[edit] Animal Intelligence

There has been quite a bit of research on the intelligence of non-human animals. See the short video at: http://list.weim.net/pipermail/weim/attachments/20070506/6cbde5af/attachment-0001.wmv

[edit] References

David Moursund has written several books on problem solving that are specifically directed at precollege teachers. He makes them available free on his Website under a Creative Commons license.

Moursund, D.G. (2004). Brief Introduction to Roles of Computers in Problem Solving. Access at http://uoregon.edu/~moursund/Books/SPSB/index.htm.

Moursund, D.G. (2002, 1996). Increasing Your Expertise as a Problem Solver: Some Roles of Computers. Access at http://uoregon.edu/~moursund/Books/PS-Expertise/index.htm.

Moursund, D.G. (1990, 1993). Getting Smarter At Solving Problems. (This is a book written for use at the Middle School or Junior high School level. Its reading level is approximately sixth grade). Access at http://uoregon.edu/~moursund/Books/GettingSmarter/Getting%20Smarter.html.

Moursund, D.G. (1990). Getting Smarter At Solving Problems: Teacher's Manual. Access at http://uoregon.edu/~moursund/Books/GettingSmarter/GSTM.htm. (This is an extensive Teacher's Manual written to accompany the Getting Smarter book.)

[edit] Author or Authors

The initial version of this article was written by David Moursund.

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