An Overview of Problem Solving
To further help you understand the problem solving field, I took lists of some frequently asked questions about problem solving and attempted the difficult task of classifying them. This was done arbitrarily based on my opinion; it will give you some idea of what the whole field is about.
Skills
The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines skill as "a learning power of doing something competently; a developed aptitude or ability."
| analytical ability
|
critical thinking define problem intellectual ability |
Methods, Processes
| guide method model methodology process |
problem solving method scientific method stages steps |
Divisions of Problem Solving
The American Heritage Dictionary defines division as "one of parts, sections,
or groups into which something is divided."
| 1. intuition
2. short model formula 3. long model formula for problem solving 4. organized and unorganized sciences |
Who
Involved in problem solving are:
| business
community companies courts |
family
groups individuals kids |
management
military teams |
Application - Applied to and Use of
| charts
courses courts curriculum exercises learning |
lesson plans
lessons problems quiz software teaching |
test
therapy training worksheets |
Types of problem solving
| advanced
algebra applied art art of basic clinical collaborative complex cooperative decision making |
engineering
|
limited
mathematical online practical psychology puzzles situation social solution specialized task |
Strategies
The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines strategy as "a careful plan or method." The divisions, methods, and processes are strategies. Some under Who and Types are also.
Techniques and Tools
Technique is defined in the American Heritage Dictionary as "the systematic procedure by which a complex or scientific task is accomplished."
Tool is defined as "something regarded as necessary to carry out one's occupation or profession."
Both of these definitions cover a wide variety of activities
and probably cover all of problem solving activities.