Problem Solving Division #3 - One of the Major Problem Solving Strategies

It is hard to believe, especially in view of the vast amount of intellectual thinking that has occurred in recent centuries and the knowledge accumulated, that no correct and full model for problem solving and decision making exists. SM-14 fills the need now.

Present here are good basic principles that will help you the rest of your life. I personally spent 20 years in my second retirement career to intensively summarize the reliable knowledge on problem solving and decision making that others have spent years, even lifetimes, accumulating. This free problem solving knowledge is yours to use. So read on for the best reliable knowledge on creative problem solving.

Scientific Method

The scientific method is the master method of knowledge and problem solving and decision making. Thus it is suitable for all domains. The SM-14 formula of 11 steps or stages and 3 ingredients provides an easy-to-follow guide to this complete method of creative problem solving and decision making for all fields, including our personal lives. Because the scientific method has been used for centuries, there is a well-developed body of knowledge about the steps, stages, problem solving strategies and techniques, procedural principles and theories, attributes and thinking skills.

This Problem Solving Model Is Subject Neutral

A guide or model formula, being subject neutral, will not solve problems. So, certain ingredients were recognized as necessary to use at these mental activity stages. In the SM-14 model these have been combined into three ingredients, numbered 12, 13, and 14. They are applied at all stages of mental activity to actually accomplish results and are a vital part of problem solving strategies.

Here Is the Best Problem Solving Model

The Most Important of All Problem Solving Strategies for Complex Problems

The literature shows that thousands of model formulas have been offered for the mental activity stages of problem solving. After a thorough review of the literature and selecting features from the best of them, a formula - SM-14 - is now available for creative problem solving. It consists of 11 steps or stages and 3 ingredients. It is complete and practical. It is long enough to cover the major steps or stages and ingredients, but not so long as to be impractical for use and for teaching problem solving.

Creative Problem Solving Model: SM-14
Step or Stage 1 - Curious Observation
Step or Stage 2 - Is There a Problem?
Step or Stage 3 - Goals & Planning
Step or Stage 4 - Search, Explore, & Gather the Evidence
Step or Stage 5 - Generate Creative & Logical Solutions
Step or Stage 6 - Evaluate the Evidence
Step or Stage 7 - Make the Educated Guess (Hypothesis)
Step or Stage 8 - Challenge the Hypothesis
Step or Stage 9 - Reach a Conclusion
Step or Stage 10 - Suspend Judgment
Step or Stage 11 - Take Action

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