Step or Stage 4:

Search, Explore, and Gather the Evidence

Effective Problem Solving Requires That:

You should start to search everywhere, explore all angles, leads, clues, and sources of information. Pick out the basic principles of the material you read, see, or hear. This is the heart of problem solving. Always try to use innovation and creative problem solving, thus building your list of possible tentative solutions. Learn how to process information productively. Put your thoughts in writing. Remember, deficient reasoning often results from inadequate search.

Limited Information Principle in Problem Solving Theory

Before loading your mind with data, other people’s opinions, and so-called “facts,” list all possible tentative solutions that you think of for your main problem and any sub-problems because this:

  • Provides you with direction and scope in your search
  • Enables you to utilize imagination before being influenced by prevailing thoughts and theories
  • Illustrates the need for always having an open mind

For Effective Problem Solving Use All Sources of Information

After doing this search to see if anyone before you tried solving this problem or one similar to it.

Utilize Internet Search Engines

  • Prepare ibrary program: read periodicals
  • Visit new and used bookstores and read catalogs
  • Seek discussions with colleagues, friends, teachers, and members of organizations
  • Are their opinions reliable or questionable?
  • Take field trips: go to conventions
  • Use checklists
  • Any related fields you should investigate?

Organize Your Data and Supplies

Accumulate your own library

  • Build a structured, well-organized paper file system
  • Use Post-It notes to mark relevant pages
  • Determine computer programs and files
  • Decide what supplies and other materials you will need
  • Are any checklists available? Build your own

Effective Problem Solving Thinking

Memory plays a big part in problem solving. Your memory of past experiences, subject matter, and problems solved is important. Refresh memory by looking at old files and having discussions.

Problem Solving Theory - Research Is Theory Driven

In your search, you cannot wander all over the universe of data. A frequent comment in research literature is that problem solving is “theory driven.”

  • Analyze your tentative hypotheses for a guide to areas to search
  • Analyze your sub-problems for directions to investigate

For Effective Problem Solving Maintain a Skeptical, Inquiring Mind

  • Be very alert for clues
  • Anticipate the unexpected
  • Draw inferences - use creative problem solving
  • Challenge assumptions and interpretations
  • Be flexible and vary your attack if necessary
  • Consider cost/benefits of your search time
  • Work on areas within the scope of your control
  • If you can't get there on the beaten path, try a different way

Knowledge of Measurement Is Essential in Effective Problem Solving

Learn such things as:

  • Metric system
  • Temperature scales
  • Instrument use
  • Weighing
  • Cost containment
  • Charting & graphing
  • Statistical methods
  • Computer programs

For Effective Problem Solving, Remember as You Proceed:

  • Check accuracy of opinions and progress with your superiors
  • Suspend your personal prejudices
  • Narrow your field of search
  • Data used must be “true”; screen thoroughly
  • Develop a high capacity for self-instruction
  • Keep problem prevention and problem solving consequences in mind
  • Be a team player at all times
  • Carefully review conflicting opinions
  • Evaluate and test your tentative hypotheses
  • Consider risks involved in possible solutions

If possible, don’t depend on assumptions if you can check on evidence

Watch for ideas for creative problem solving and logical solutions

While you can skip ahead and then backtrack, etc., be sure to go through all the steps or stages of SM-14 on complex problems

Next . . . is also now! Read and study Step or Stage 5 while you are searching and exploring so that you can also watch for and generate creative problem solving ideas (Step or Stage 5). During Step or Stage 5, you should make a special effort to add to your list of tentative solutions.