Definition and scope of problem solving

Summary

Problem solving is the process of achieving a goal by overcoming obstacles, and it appears in many activities ranging from simple personal tasks (e.g., moving from point A to B) to complex business and technical challenges. The scope of problem solving covers multiple kinds of problems—such as well-defined problems with clear goals and expected solutions versus ill-defined problems where the desired resolution is unclear—and it also spans different domains like mathematical problem solving and personal problem solving. In addition, disciplines interpret the term differently: in psychology it is a mental process for life situations, while in computer science it is often treated as a computerized/algorithmic process that transforms inputs into correct or adequate outputs. Across fields, problem solving involves transforming a current situation into a goal state using reasoning, resources, and knowledge. In psychology, the process typically includes problem finding (discovering and simplifying the problem), generating and evaluating possible solutions, then selecting, implementing, and verifying one solution. In other disciplines, the scope includes designing automated systems (computer science), building causal explanations and using abductive/deductive/inductive reasoning (engineering), applying physics-specific reasoning and equation-based analysis (physics), and planning toward military “end-states” (military science). Research also distinguishes strategies and cycles of action (e.g., recognizing, defining, strategizing, organizing resources, monitoring progress, and evaluating outcomes) and studies barriers that impede solutions, such as confirmation bias, mental set, and functional fixedness.

Key Points

• 1

  Problem solving spans simple to complex challenges and includes both well-defined and ill-defined problems.

• 2

  Different disciplines define and study problem solving differently (e.g., psychological mental process vs. algorithmic/computerized process).

• 3

  Common problem-solving workflows include problem finding, generating/evaluating options, selecting/implementing, and verifying, often organized as a cycle of strategy and evaluation.

• 4

  Problem solving also includes reasoning about causes and goals (e.g., abductive/deductive/inductive logic in engineering) and domain-specific approaches (e.g., physics reasoning, military end-states).

• 5

  Research examines both strategies for overcoming obstacles and barriers that prevent solutions (e.g., confirmation bias, mental set, functional fixedness).