The ability to solve problems is what distinguishes humans from other species on the planet Earth. In fact, improvement in any field is impossible if one does not possess the ability to solve problems. Having this skill helps people figure out problems they face in their daily lives; they can adopt different problem-solving strategies to solve the problem effectively. Here in this article are the 9 best problem-solving strategies that a person can utilize to solve a problem.
First, let’s understand,
What is problem-solving?
The word “problem-solving” finds its place in every industry. In general, it is an attempt to find a solution to the problem at hand. For example, in the field of business, finding better solutions to a problem by utilizing fewer resources. In the field of engineering, improving productivity through the application of modern technologies. Also, discovering faster ways to solve problems is vital for computation as well as for solving problems in life.
The act of solving a problem is different from attempting to avoid the problem itself. We frequently engage in activities in order to momentarily sidestep the issue. Despite this, the problem is still present; the only way for things to work as they should be if the problem is truly resolved. First and foremost, determining the root cause of the problem makes it much simpler to locate a solution to the problem.
To effectively address the problem, you must first identify the problem; then generate possible solutions by employing any problem-solving strategy to solve the problem. Lastly, evaluate the solution. But if the problem is still present after analyzing the results, you must modify your strategy for resolving the issue. In addition, there are 9 best problem-solving strategies to resolve issues, such as algorithm, abstraction, analogy, group brainstorming, thinking laterally, putting one’s theory to the test, reduction, and trial & error.
Now let’s understand each of these problem-solving strategies in detail.
1. Algorithm
An algorithm is a method that involves completing a task or solving a problem in a step-by-step fashion. There are various types of algorithms such as brute force, heuristic, randomized, approximation, etc. The Brute force method involves solving a problem by trying each possible solution one by one until you find the right one. Heuristic: A heuristic is a rule of thumb or a simple strategy to solve problems or make decisions. Randomized algorithm: it uses a random solution to solve the problem. Approximation algorithm: It finds a solution that is close to the best solution. On the other hand, the algorithmic approach might not always give the results in every situation. But you can solve your problem by choosing other strategies from these 9 best problem-solving strategies.
2. Abstraction
The abstraction strategy requires first subdividing a major problem into minor problems before attempting to solve the original issue. “Divide and Conquer” is yet another name for this tactic. The “divide and conquer” strategy was frequently used by militaries in the Middle Ages to achieve victory in battle.
3. Analogy
This strategy is by far the most common one that people use to solve problems because it allows people to make connections between seemingly unrelated ideas or concepts. By finding similarities between a problem and a situation that they are already familiar with, people can come up with potential solutions to solve the problem.
For example, if someone is trying to figure out how to fix a leaky pipe; they might use an analogy to compare the problem with something they are familiar with-such as patching a hole in a tire. This analogy might help them to find a solution that involves fixing the leak with a patch, rather than trying to change the entire pipe.
In general, an analogy can be a useful way to generate creative ideas and think outside the box when solving problems. It can also be a useful way to communicate complex concepts or ideas to others by making them more relatable and easier to understand.
4. Brainstorming
The purpose of the brainstorming method is to generate a large number of potential answers, recommendations, or approaches to a problem. It is common practice to do this in a group setting because people in a group tend to be interested in a wide variety of things. This approach generates a wide variety of perspectives on the topics of discussion which helps people in a group to understand ideas from different perspectives. For instance, a group tasked with coming up with suggestions for reducing air pollution might come up with various solutions.
5. Means-End Analysis
The means-end analysis is an approach that attempts to solve an issue by analyzing all of the potential roadblocks along the path from the problem’s original condition to the desired outcome. After that, these roadblocks are eliminated by establishing a series of intermediate goals, and ultimately, accomplishing the final objective by working toward those goals.
For instance, in order to complete a substantial task in a timely manner, we usually partition it into a number of less complicated and more manageable subtasks, in this way, we can accomplish difficult tasks.
Another example is, suppose you want to go on a hike, but you are currently at home. The current state is “at home,” and the goal state is “on the hike.” To use means-end analysis, you might break this problem down into smaller subproblems, such as:
- Get dressed in hiking clothes (means)
- Pack a backpack with supplies (means)
- Drive to the trailhead (means)
- Begin the hike (end)
By breaking the problem down into smaller subproblems, you can easily identify the tasks upon completion of which you can achieve your goal. This can help you to plan and execute a solution more efficiently.
6. Lateral Thinking
In 1967, Edward De Bono was the one who first popularized the term “lateral thinking“; one lateral thinking approach is “thinking outside the box”. To put it another way, looking at the problem from a variety of perspectives and coming up with creative, non-conventional solutions. However, the mentality is the primary obstacle to overcome owing to the fact that people aren’t habitual to thinking laterally. As we continue to hunt in the wrong places for solutions, despite the fact that the most challenging problems frequently have simple answers. For instance, if there is no electricity and you need to iron your clothes; you may use a frying pan to accomplish this task.
7. Reduction
The process of reduction uses both abstraction and analogy in its steps. The first thing that needs to be done is an abstract decomposition of the problem; the second thing that needs to be done is to employ analogies to address the more specific issues. Utilizing the solutions will result in the resolution of a more comprehensive problem. In other words, a complex problem is transformed into a simpler problem that is easy to solve; and then the solution to the simpler problem is used to solve the complex problem. For example, removing a particular tumour via laser surgery can inflict severe brain damage to the brain tissue that is around the tumour, if the laser falls directly on the tumour. Therefore, the laser may still be useful in treating the tumour if it is supplied to it from various angles and with lesser intensity than was initially intended.
8. Hypothesis Testing
The process of formulating an assumption, sometimes known as a hypothesis; it’s a statistical procedure used to test a claim or hypothesis about a population parameter. There are two types of hypotheses in hypothesis testing: the null hypothesis and the alternate hypothesis. The null hypothesis is a statement of no relationship or no effect, while the alternative hypothesis is a statement of some relationship or effect. If what you’re trying to do works out, the hypothesis is wrong; if it doesn’t, it’s accurate. For example, in order to study the connection between smoking and the disease; we come up with the null hypothesis that smoking does not cause lung cancer. If there is no association to be seen, then the null hypothesis can be considered to be correct. In the event that this is not possible, we will need to devise solutions that circumvent the problem.
9. Trial and Error
The process of trial and error is the most fundamental tactic, in which you test out various different solutions until you find one that works. If the first solution doesn’t work, you should move on to the next and then the next. At long last, you fix the problem. For example, Experiment with every possibility until you locate an answer that addresses the problem at hand. A prime illustration of this is a process that a detective goes through when attempting to solve a murder mystery. He draws a number of different conclusions based on the evidence at his disposal and searches for the person responsible. And he achieves this by applying a range of 9 best problem-solving strategies, one of which is the method of “trial and error.”
Conclusion
To sum up, in order to solve the problem quickly and effectively; you can use any of the 9 best problem-solving strategies listed above. This involves following a systematic and logical approach to finding a solution, which includes: Clearly defining the problem; Breaking it down into smaller parts; Identifying the root cause; Generating multiple solutions by adopting any problem-solving strategy; Evaluating those solutions, and Choosing the best one.