As human beings, we face a lot of problems and hard situations in our daily life. But not all of us know how to solve a problem and tackle the situation. Here is a 7 step guide on how to solve a problem:
PSYCHOLOGICALLY APPROVED METHODS ON HOW TO SOLVE A PROBLEMÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
Using the power of the brain we can overcome these problems very efficiently. Here is the problem-solving cycle that is the best way to come out from a problematic situation. The problem-solving cycle comprises of 7 steps:
- Problem identification
- Defining the problem
- Constructing a strategy
- Organizing information
- Allocation of resources
- Monitoring the problem
- Evaluating the problem
PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION
Sometimes to identify the real problem is a very difficult step. We fail to identify what our real goal is or what is causing problems in our way to reach our goal. Hence when the problem is not identified problem properly then the solution we have in our minds does not work for that particular problem.
For example: If the problem is to write an essay you must first identify the topic you have to write. Similarly, if you are a doctor and are going to treat a patient with pain in the chest you first need to identify whether the pain is actually in the chest or not.
Researchers suggest that an individual should spend more time at step one of the problem-solving cycle in order to make the right decision to solve the situation.
DEFINING THE PROBLEM
 Once the existing problem has been identified we then have to define the problem in order to solve it. The defining problem step is crucial as if you fail to define the problem accurately then you could not apply a required solution and end up creating a mess.
For example, let’s continue the example of the doctor who is examining the patient with chest pain if he is able to identify the problem that the patient is actually suffering from chest pain now he has to define the problem that whether the pain is caused by the congestion of the ventricles of heart or the cause is some other underlying health condition. Once the problem is defined we move to the next step.
CONSTRUCTING A STRATEGY
The strategy involves breaking the whole of the complex problem into manageable elements. Constructing a strategy that will make a possible solution for the problem. Like putting together various elements to arrange them into something useful.
A pair of strategy which psychologists use involves:
- Convergent thinking
- Divergent thinking
Convergent thinking: in this step, we narrow down the multiple possibilities to conclude on a single best answer or what likely could be the solution to the problem.
Divergent thinking: The aim of divergent thought is to produce several different ideas about a problem in a short span of time. It requires breaking down a problem into its various component parts to obtain specific information on the issue. Usually, divergent thinking happens in a spontaneous, free-flowing manner, so the ideas are produced in a chaotic, unorganized fashion its just like doing brainstorming. The ideas and knowledge should be arranged through convergent thought after divergent thinking; that is, bringing the various ideas back together in some ordered, coordinated manner.
For example, The doctor who has diagnosed his patient with congestion of ventricles in the heart has to construct a feasible strategy for his patient. He can think of all possible solutions to treat the problem. Like whether he should provide medicines to treat the issue do an operation or recommend the patient to a doctor who is specialized in this field.
ORGANIZING INFORMATION
Once you have formulated a strategy, now you are ready to apply the next step that is to organize the available information. You find a way that bests enables you to implement your strategy. The more information that is available, the better prepared we will be to come up with an accurate solution.Â
FOR EXAMPLE, the doctor now has to organize all the information about the patient so that he could apply the best strategy to treat his patient.
RESOURCE ALLOCATION
We don’t necessarily have a large number of money, energy, and other tools to solve a problem. We need to determine how high a priority it is before we start resolving a problem. If it is an important problem, it’s definitely worth allocating more money to fix it. Nonetheless, if this is a very unimportant problem, then you don’t want to waste so much of your limited money on seeking a solution.
FOR EXAMPLE, the doctor finds out that the patient’s congested ventricles can be cured with the help of medicines. Then rather using so many resources and money on doing an operation or bypass he should go up with the solution of using medicines.
MONITORING
Good problem solvers do not sit back after they decide a solution but they keep tracking and make sure that they are getting closer to their goal. They monitor the process.
FOR EXAMPLE, the doctor who has given his patient medicines does not have to solely rely on them for the treatment. In order to get rid of the problem, he should keep monitoring his patient’s reports and he should keep a record if the patient is showing improvement or not.
EVALUATING THE PROBLEM
The main goal of the last step in problem-solving is to determine the validity of the solution. For that, in the end, we have to evaluate the solution overall.
For example, the doctor has to overview the solutions and steps he has taken to treat his patient.
Just remember:
if we change our attitude towards a situation, the situation changes its attitude towards us. -Umair Nisar Click To Tweet
now I want to listen to you which step you like the most. and if this article helps you out check our Guide to set a life goal.