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Problem solving is the process of achieving a goal by overcoming obstacles, and it appears across many activities—from simple personal tasks (e.g., finding a route) to complex business and technical challenges. The scope of problem solving includes different kinds of tasks: well-defined problems with clear goals and expected solutions versus ill-defined problems where the desired resolution is unclear. It also varies by domain, such as mathematical problem solving versus personal problem solving, and formal, fact-based problems versus socio-emotional problems that depend on changing emotions and social context. The meaning of “problem solving” differs by discipline. In psychology, it is a higher-order cognitive process used to find solutions to life problems, typically involving problem finding (discovering and simplifying the issue), generating and evaluating possible solutions, then selecting, implementing, and verifying an approach. In computer science, problem solving is often treated as designing automated systems that take inputs and compute correct or adequate responses using algorithms. Across fields like logic, engineering, physics, and military science, problem solving also involves representing problems appropriately (e.g., as theorems or causal hypotheses), applying domain-specific reasoning, and using structured processes such as diagnosis, planning, and iterative refinement. Problem solving can be approached through strategies and cycles that include recognizing and defining the problem, developing and testing strategies, organizing resources, monitoring progress, and evaluating outcomes. It is also studied in terms of barriers that prevent solutions, such as confirmation bias, mental set, and functional fixedness. Finally, the scope extends beyond individuals: complex contemporary issues often require collective problem solving, where groups combine complementary expertise and shared collaboration to exceed any single person’s cognitive capacity.
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