Problem Solving Strategies in Psychology:

 Problem Solving:

In Problem Solving an individual goes through a mental process to discover, analyze, and solve problems (Sarathy, 2018). The steps include in problem-solving are:

• The discovery of the problem
• The decision to tackle the issue
• Understanding the problem
• Researching the available options
• Taking actions to achieve your goals

Problem Solving Strategies:

Algorithm:

The step-by-step procedure involved in figuring out the correct answer to any problem is called an algorithm. An algorithm is a strategy that results in an accurate solution. An algorithm is a problem-solving formula that provides you with step-by-step instructions used to achieve the desired outcome (Kahneman, 2011).

The strategy is highly time-consuming and involves taking lots of steps. For example, attempting to open a door lock using an algorithm to find out the possible number combinations would take a really long time.

The step-by-step procedure involved in solving a mathematical problem using a math formula is a perfect example of a problem-solving algorithm.

Heuristic:

A heuristic is a general problem-solving framework (Tversky and Kahneman, 1974). These are also known mental shortcuts that are used to solve problems. A “rule of thumb” is an example of a heuristic. Such a rule saves the person time and energy when making a decision, but despite its time-saving characteristics, it is not always the best method for making a rational decision. Different types of heuristics are used in different types of situations, but the impulse to use a heuristic occurs when one of five conditions is met (Pratkanis, 1989):

• When one is faced with too much information
• When the time to make a decision is limited
• When the decision to be made is unimportant
• When there is access to very little information to use in making the decision
• When an appropriate heuristic happens to come to mind at the same moment

Abstraction:

It refers to solving the problem within a model of the situation before applying it to reality.

Analogy:

The analogy is using a solution that solves a similar problem.

Trial and Error:

The trial and error strategy is the approach that deals with trying several different solutions and ruling out the ones that do not work. This strategy is highly time-consuming.

Brainstorming:

It refers to collect and analyze many solutions, especially within a group of people, to combine the solutions and developing them until an optimal solution is reached.

Divide and Conquer:

It is a breakdown of large complex problems into smaller more manageable problems.

Lateral Thinking:

It includes approaching problems indirectly and creatively by viewing the problem in a new and unusual light.

Method of Focal Objects:

It is putting seemingly non-matching characteristics of different procedures together to make something new that will get you closer to the goal.

Research:

Research can be done by using existing knowledge or solutions to similar problems to solve the problem.

Root cause analysis:

In root cause analysis we try to identify the cause of the problem.

Conclusion:

Every strategy we build for solving a specific problem can be narrowed down into one of the above strategy techniques. Some strategies are a combination of Algorithms and Heuristics while others are based on trial-and-error. We should choose wisely to analyze the resources, collecting information, and monitoring progress.