Problem Solving Division #2 - Short Problem Solving Model Formula

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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

Short Problem Solving Model Formula - SM-4

Why a Short Problem Solving Model Such as SM-4 Is Needed

Complex decisions should normally be put through all the STEPS OR STAGES of the SCIENTIFIC METHOD of PROBLEM SOLVING of problem solving. However, a shorter formula is needed for:

An easily remembered formula you can use at any time. It should also be suitable for teaching problem solving.

Problems not complex enough or important enough to spend the time and effort going through the 11 stages of the scientific method of problem solving, SM-14.

The problem or decision you are working on is important but urgency is so great there is no time to go through the 11 stages of SM-14.

You are in a place or situation in which research facilities are not available.

Short Problem Solving Models - There Are Many in the Literature

Many of the progressive authors of books or sections on problem solving offer a short formula of three, four, five, or so steps of problem solving. These vary widely in the particular steps of problem solving offered.

Need for a Short Problem Solving Model That Is Part of a Full Model

A standard short problem solving model must be an abbreviation of a full model such as the complete method of creative problem solving (SM-14). The logic here is simple. When using a short model, it should not be a different model from the complete model. They must tie together, for all you are doing when using a short model of the steps of problem solving is condensing the full model to shorten the problem solving process.

Good Short Problem Solving Model - Four Steps or Stages - SM-4

Here is one that I recommend. Commit it to memory and use SM-4 often.

SM-4 -
Four-Step Short
Problem Solving
Model

Brief Description

Step or Stage
of SM-14

PROBLEM

(Define carefully)

ALTERNATIVES

(Search and generate)

EVALUATE

(Based on evidence select best)

CHALLENGE

(Check to be sure it is best)

Importance of the Scientific Method of Problem Solving Full Model - SM-14

Your ability to be successful in using the abbreviated model depends on knowing how to use the full problem solving model. So study the SM-14 model for the scientific method of problem solving and pay special attention to Stages 2, 5, 6, and 8.

Remember Problem Solving Division #2 - Write it Down

Short SM-4 Problem Solving Model

PROBLEM
ALTERNATIVES
EVLAUATE
CHALLENGE

Coming up next is SM-14 - Problem Solving Division #3.