Generating Solutions: The Problem Solving Process
CIVL 1101
Problem Solving - Chapters 5-6
1/8
Generating Solutions
“Nothing is more dangerous than an idea, when it is the only one you have.”
Generating Solutions
Once you have defined the problem you want to make sure you generate the best solution. Perseverance is perhaps the most notable characteristic of successful problem solvers, so you shouldn’t become discouraged when solutions aren’t immediately evident. Many times mental blocks hinder your progress toward a solution. What is the nature of these mental blocks and what causes them?
Evaluate the Solution Implement the Solution Decide the Course of Action Generate Solutions Define the Problem
Common Causes of Mental Blocks
Defining the problem too narrowly. Attacking the symptoms and not the real problem. Assuming there is only one right answer. Getting ”hooked’ on the first solution that comes to mind. Getting ”hooked” on a solution that almost works (but really doesn’t).
Common Causes of Mental Blocks
Distracted by irrelevant information, called “mental dazzle.” Getting frustrated by lack of success. Being too anxious to finish. Defining the problem ambiguously.
Break up Mental Blocks
There is a direct correlation between the time people spend “playing” with a problem and the diversity of the solutions generated. Draw four or fewer straight lines (without lifting your pencil from the paper) that will cross through all nine dots.
Break up Mental Blocks
Several creative solutions to the nine dot problem exist:
Roll up the piece of paper such that it is cylindrical in shape and then draw one line around the cylinder that passes thorough all nine dots photoreduce the nine dots and then using a thick felt pen to connect them with a single line Crumple up the piece of paper and stab it with a pencil (this is a statistical approach that may require more than one attempt to hit all the dots)
CIVL 1101
Problem Solving - Chapters 5-6
2/8
What did we learn?
The purpose
Problem Solving - Chapters 5-6
1/8
Generating Solutions
“Nothing is more dangerous than an idea, when it is the only one you have.”
Generating Solutions
Once you have defined the problem you want to make sure you generate the best solution. Perseverance is perhaps the most notable characteristic of successful problem solvers, so you shouldn’t become discouraged when solutions aren’t immediately evident. Many times mental blocks hinder your progress toward a solution. What is the nature of these mental blocks and what causes them?
Evaluate the Solution Implement the Solution Decide the Course of Action Generate Solutions Define the Problem
Common Causes of Mental Blocks
Defining the problem too narrowly. Attacking the symptoms and not the real problem. Assuming there is only one right answer. Getting ”hooked’ on the first solution that comes to mind. Getting ”hooked” on a solution that almost works (but really doesn’t).
Common Causes of Mental Blocks
Distracted by irrelevant information, called “mental dazzle.” Getting frustrated by lack of success. Being too anxious to finish. Defining the problem ambiguously.
Break up Mental Blocks
There is a direct correlation between the time people spend “playing” with a problem and the diversity of the solutions generated. Draw four or fewer straight lines (without lifting your pencil from the paper) that will cross through all nine dots.
Break up Mental Blocks
Several creative solutions to the nine dot problem exist:
Roll up the piece of paper such that it is cylindrical in shape and then draw one line around the cylinder that passes thorough all nine dots photoreduce the nine dots and then using a thick felt pen to connect them with a single line Crumple up the piece of paper and stab it with a pencil (this is a statistical approach that may require more than one attempt to hit all the dots)
CIVL 1101
Problem Solving - Chapters 5-6
2/8
What did we learn?
The purpose