Critical Thinking - 7 Step Problem Solving
7-Step Problem Solving
There are many different ways of solving problems or coming to conclusions. There are also many ways to do research and learn lessons from the research that one finds. Some ways are better than others as far as the depth of thinking that is involved, but if the same result is met with many different ways, it doesn 't matter which one is used. One particular method or model that is used throughout the company that I work for is called the seven-step problem solving method. It is the model that has been widely used and known to have good quality outcomes at Intel Corporation. I suppose the reason that it used by virtually all of the employees that work there is because it covers just about every aspect of solving a particular problem or issue. It has also been used before a problem has occurred to prevent further problems. "The trick is to figure out what information you are lacking and then gather and analyze that information." (www.unf.edu) The seven-step problem solving method is a solid approach to critical thinking and solution to issues and problems.
Step 1.
Define the Problem. What is the problem and how did it manifest itself. This is the first step that must be completed to move on. It defines what is wrong and how it happened and can be examined thoroughly to see if it has happened before and if there are any fixes that might already be in place.
Step 2.
The Current Situation. This is an important step because you must know what the problem caused and where the current situation can go. It is important to keep one 's self in that current situation to avoid having a domino effect of future problems. It also gives the person researching the problem a "crime scene" if you will. A lot of information can be found examining the effects of the problem that occurred.
Step 3.
Cause Analysis. This is where the investigation begins. Most of the time, if the cause is
There are many different ways of solving problems or coming to conclusions. There are also many ways to do research and learn lessons from the research that one finds. Some ways are better than others as far as the depth of thinking that is involved, but if the same result is met with many different ways, it doesn 't matter which one is used. One particular method or model that is used throughout the company that I work for is called the seven-step problem solving method. It is the model that has been widely used and known to have good quality outcomes at Intel Corporation. I suppose the reason that it used by virtually all of the employees that work there is because it covers just about every aspect of solving a particular problem or issue. It has also been used before a problem has occurred to prevent further problems. "The trick is to figure out what information you are lacking and then gather and analyze that information." (www.unf.edu) The seven-step problem solving method is a solid approach to critical thinking and solution to issues and problems.
Step 1.
Define the Problem. What is the problem and how did it manifest itself. This is the first step that must be completed to move on. It defines what is wrong and how it happened and can be examined thoroughly to see if it has happened before and if there are any fixes that might already be in place.
Step 2.
The Current Situation. This is an important step because you must know what the problem caused and where the current situation can go. It is important to keep one 's self in that current situation to avoid having a domino effect of future problems. It also gives the person researching the problem a "crime scene" if you will. A lot of information can be found examining the effects of the problem that occurred.
Step 3.
Cause Analysis. This is where the investigation begins. Most of the time, if the cause is
Cited: 7-step Decision-Making Model. (Roberts, R.). Retrieved on May 9, 2005 from http://www.unf.edu/dept/cdc/services/decisio.htm 7step career decision model. Rutgers University. Retrieved on May 9, 2005, 2004 from http://careerservices.rutgers.edu/PCCPmakedesision.html