Problem solving is a mental process that involves identifying, analyzing, and resolving issues. The ultimate goal of problem solving is to overcome obstacles and find the best solution to the problem.
There are several methods to identify the source of a problem: inquire about the problem, break the problem down into smaller parts, examine the problem from different angles, conduct research to determine the relationships between the different variables.
Define the problem by determining each aspect of the problem and setting goals for each aspect you will address. Determine which aspects of the problem are facts and which are opinions. Define the problem and the scope of the solution.
Brainstorm possible solutions. Generate as many ideas as possible, regardless of their quality; they can be evaluated later. Develop a strategy to solve the problem. The approach will depend on the situation and preferences. Strategies include heuristics and algorithms.
Make sure you have all the data you need. Making a decision without sufficient information will lead to biased or inaccurate results. What do you know about the problem and what do you not know? The more information you gather, the better prepared you will be to find a solution.
Determine the priority of the problem. It pays to allocate more resources to larger problems. Consider all factors that could affect the problem. Review the resources, timelines, and potential risks of each solution. After evaluation, decide which solution to pursue.
Try out the problem-solving strategy and observe how it works. You can try different solutions to see which is the most effective. Monitor the situation to make sure the problem has been solved and no new problems have arisen as a result of the chosen solution.
After you have found a solution, evaluate the results to determine if it is the best possible solution to the problem.
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