The Big Picture of Problem Solving

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CONTENTS OF 48-PAGE GUIDE
> What This Guide Can Do for You
> What Is Problem Solving?
> An Overview of Problem Solving
> Lessons on the Basic Theories of the Scientific Method of Problem Solving
> Use of Intuition
> Short Model Formula, SM-4
> Full Model Formula, SM-14
> The Various Organized & Little Sciences of Problem Solving
> Importance of Supporting Ingredients
> Review of the Basic Theory of the Scientific Method of Problem Solving

STEPS OR STAGES of the SCIENTIFIC METHOD of PROBLEM SOLVING - two pages on each
1.  Curious Observation
2.  Is There a Problem?
3.  Goals & Planning
4.  Search, Explore, & Gather the Evidence
5.  Generative Creative & Logical Alternative Solutions
6.  Evaluate the Evidence
7.  Make the Educated Guess (Hypothesis)
8.  Challenge the Hypothesis
9.  Reach a Conclusion
10.  Suspend Judgment
11.  Take Action

Supporting Ingredients
12.  Creative, Non-logical, Logical, & Technical Methods
13.  Procedural Principles & Theories
14.  Attributes & Thinking Skills

> Creative Problem Solving
> Group Problem Solving
> Management Problem Solving
> Problem Solving Activity
> Your Guide & Worksheet
> About the Author
> Index of Essays on Problem Solving
> Problem Solving Site Map

By Norman W. Edmund, Founder (Retired) of Edmund Scientific Co.

This presentation is based on my second career as an educational researcher 20 years full time, specializing in a study of the literature on the scientific method of problem solving.

Major Points

The scientific method, while mainly developed by our natural scientists, is basically a problem solving method or guide to the mental activity steps or stages of the method, subject neutral, and suitable for all fields of endeavor. It has proven to be the best of all problem solving methods.

Starting in 1947, many false claims were made that the scientific method was only an alleged method, that it didn't exist, was only a textbook method, and others.

Since about 1950, our academic community has tremendously increased our knowledge and the literature on problem solving , with many subjects about problem solving developing into little sciences of their own. It is from this literature that the material on this site has been abstracted.

Unfortunately, our body of knowledge about problem solving has developed with a variety of opinions, inaccuracies, and lack of consensus on many major points. This has been due to the false claims about the scientific method, normal confusion in a growing field of knowledge, and lack of government funding for studies of the basic nature of the scientific method.

As a result, today's literature and books on problem solving provide no standard formula, guide, steps, or stages of the scientific method of problem solving. Thousands offer a variety of formulas, a few identified as the scientific method; most others are identified as just a problem solving method.

The false claims about the scientific method have resulted in very inadequate teaching of the scientific method and an inaccurate position by major government agencies and professional organizations due to the misunderstandings about the scientific method.

Based on 20 years of specialized research and study of the literature and my previous creative experiences, I offer here a formula for the scientific method of problem solving suitable for a standard. In addition, many of the basic principles associated with it are presented in an organized manner.

I believe this to be the best picture of the scientific method of problem solving and decision making presented today. Please see my other websites: