As a problem solver, you may be working on a problem that concerns only yourself. However, most of the time you will be working a problem that affects others. Therefore, you should be familiar with the procedural principles and theories that have been discussed over the centuries. There are no established standards concerning these procedural principles and theories. Controversy exists about some, if not all, of them. Because they do not always apply to every circumstance, they must be considered and applied with an open mind as you pursue problem solving.

I have abstracted some of the principles from the literature for your guidance and investigation.

Major Procedure of Problem Solving. The use of the stages of SM-14 and its supporting ingredients in a flexible manner is the major procedure of problem solving. It is a system of problem solving that has been found after centuries of study and experience to be superior to all other methods or guides. It is basically the scientific method – the complete method of creative problem solving.

Logical analysis is an important part of problem solving, but creative thinking is often necessary.

Control of Variables. The control of variables in evaluation and testing is extremely important.

Peer Review. In matters of public concern, conclusions reached following the scientific method of problem solving should be submitted to peer review. While the peer review system may have faults, it is still part of the best system devised for determining reliable knowledge.

Replication. A conclusion is reached after researching and using the stages of the scientific method of problem solving. Can others reach the same conclusion? In other words, is it replicable?

Problem Questions. They should be testable or answerable even if multiple hypothoses must be presented.

Statistics. Knowing how to use and develop statistics is of great importance to problem solvers. Mathematics is said to be the language of physics.

Trial and Error. The great importance of the scientific method of problem solving is its superiority to trial and error. However, there are still many times in the course of problem solving that you have to revert to trial and error.

Evidence and Falsification. Evidence is highly desirable to support a solution to a problem. However, some reasonable attempt must be made to falsify a proposed solution.

Authoritarianism. This is not an acceptable way to establish reliable knowledge.

Skepticism. No statement is immune to doubt. An open mind is essential.

Allegiance to Truth and Person Integrity. Problem solvers must have a high regard to proceeding honestly and with high standards of personal integrity.

Proper Credit to Co-workers and Others. Problem solving as a universal activity will not function properly unless proper credit for success is given.

Impartiality and Avoidance of Bias. This is highly desirable but often difficult to obtain. Nevertheless, it is a goal.

Accidental Discovery Can Help Solve Problems. Some of the world’s greatest problems have been solved by accident. Be alert for accidents that may lead to solutions. The solution or lead may concern the problem on which you are working or some other unsolved problem.

Hypothetico-Deductive (or Conjecture and Refutation) Method. Some philosophers and others claim that this is the problem-solving method. This method begins with the hypothesis. My advice is to disregard these claims. The SM-14 formula is a complete one.

Predict Consequences. After you have chosen a hypothesis, you must predict why and how something will occur. Testing these predictions helps you challenge, justify, or falsify the hypothesis.

Ethics. Successful problem solving requires that problem solvers follow a code of ethics. Many domains have their own codes. The Federal government has established regulations about the integrity of the research enterprise. See my blog at www.scientificmethod.org beginning with the entry for March 8, 2006.

Break Complex Problems into Sub-problems. Complex problems should be broken down into sub-problems and sub-sub-problems. Solve the important sub-problems first. Often, solving the sub-problems first makes the overall problem seem less complex.

Work Backward. Sometimes problem solvers find problems that can be worked backward rather than forward.

Other Procedural Principles. Read my booklet The Scientific Method Today at www.scientificmethod.com.