Problem solving techniques are once again great in variation and are nearly as important as the problem solving itself. Without having proper techniques to being the problem solving process, individuals would find it much more difficult to do effectively. Such examples of these techniques are as follows:
- Trial and Error
- Difference Reduction
- Means-End Analysis
- Working Backwards
- Analogies
This list is extremely limited; however, it exemplifies just how simple problem-solving techniques can be as well as how different they are from one another at times. Choosing the correct technique for the given situation is dependent on the individual, their experience, and their resourcefulness.
Trial and Error
At times, there is no exact science to effective problem solving, especially if there are multiple supposed routes that could lead to success. Problem-solving by what is known as trial and error simply means that an individual tries one method of problem-solving with the presumption that it could fail and they will be forced to try another. This method is ordinarily used if the consequences for the plan failing are not too detrimental or costly.
For example, David may choose this method if he is trying to solve the problem of how he prefers to cut his grass in the springtime. If David does not end up liking the result of moving back and forth in lines, then he can simply wait for it to regrow and try circling around the yard instead. In turn, David would probably not choose to use this method if his problem was more sensitive. This might include solving the problem with the electrical wiring in his house whereas he may choose to take the safe route and call a professional rather than risk electrocuting himself.
Difference Reduction
Another effective technique of problem-solving is what is known as difference reduction. Difference reduction is simply the process of taking one large seemingly complicated problem and breaking it down into smaller and more manageable problems. As the saying goes, "The only way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time." So goes the same for problem-solving at times.
For example, if Elizabeth's problem is being lost in the woods, her obvious solution is to get home safely. In order to do so, she may have to solve a number of smaller problems first such as figuring out where she is on the map, rationing out her food so that she doesn't eat it all, and even possibly starting a fire to keep her warm. This is obviously a more extreme example than most people find in their everyday lives; however, the principle and importance of difference reduction remain the same.
Means-Ends Analysis
Means-end analysis is another technique that is commonly used to problem solve. It entails beginning with the end goal in mind and essentially breaking it into several different categories of sub-goals that must first be accomplished. There is no limit as to how many sub-goals are required, but once they are all identified then actions are decided upon in order to accomplish the various sub-goals.
For example, Dakota, a high school student, has a dream of one day becoming a professional football player. To accomplish this end goal, he must initially determine which sub-goals he has to complete first such as graduating high school, being accepted into college, making the college football team, etc... At the end of his analysis, Dakota realizes that the actions he must take to accomplish his first set of sub-goals is to arrive at class on time and get an A on his Science final. To Dakota, as it is with many people, the end goal may seem very far away; however, by accomplishing one small sub-goal at a time, he can achieve his dream.
Working Backwards
Working backwards, otherwise at times known as backward planning, is an extremely effective technique when solving a multitude of problems. Working Backwards is very similar to some of the other methods that have been discussed due to the first step being to identify the end goal. Working backward involves determining step by step how to accomplish the desired goal by developing a plan working from finish to start.
For example, if Dana and her family are planning a trip to an amusem*nt park she will need to Work Backwards if she wants the family to arrive right when the park opens. Since the park opens at 8 am, she determines that she will need to allocate an hour and a half of driving time into her plan. She will then need to plan for the hour that it takes her family to get around for the day. Finally, she must factor in that she likes everyone to get at least 7 hours of sleep the night before. In the end, Dana determines that her family needs to all get to bed no later than 10:30 pm the evening prior in order to be successful.
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Analogies
Analogies can be extremely useful when attempting to solve problems, especially when the problems involve more than one person; but, how does one describe the purpose of analogies in problem-solving? Analogies are examples of things and situations that are similar to the one at hand. For instance, if Jim and Tony are attempting to solve the problem of fixing their riding lawn mower, they may determine that it is very similar to how they fix their cars. Jim determines that since his car does not run without fuel, his mower probably will not either and decides to check the levels. Tony once needed to replace the spark plugs in his car in order to get it to start properly, so he chooses to swap the one out in the mower to see if it solves the problem.
The use of analogies is invaluable when it comes to effective problem solving and communication to others while problem solving. It is a way to help add more clarity to a situation that may at first seem complicated but ends up being very similar to problems experienced in the past.
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