Question

What is meant by problem-solving in terms of psychology? Describe the steps required to successfully solve a problem. Identify at least two factors that inhibit problem-solving and, for each factor, suggest two strategies for reducing their effects.

Answer 1

Problem-solving refers to the mental process that people go through to discover, analyze, and solve problems (Sarathy,2018). This involves identifying the problem, understanding the problem, analyzing and evaluating options taken to solve a problem, decisions that are taken to tackle the problem.

Steps in problem-solving

1. Define and State the Problem

State and Restate the problem in hand.

2. Elucidate

Identify the key terms of the problem, enunciate the assumptions, and gather all the needed information. Seek out different viewpoints and ask a series of questions involving the problem. brainstorm the ideas related to solving the problem.
3. Choose a solution

Maintain a pros and cons list of the available solutions and decide accordingly.

4. Implement the solution.

after planning and executing, implement the solution. this is an iterative solution and often requires going back and forth.

5. Review

It also helps you improve long-term problem-solving skills and keeps you from re-inventing the wheel.

Factors that lead to reduced problem solving

1. Confirmation Bias

Confirmation bias is the tendency to search for, interpret, favor, and recall information that confirms or supports one's prior personal beliefs or values.

Strategies to remove them

A. Surround yourself with people who challenge your thoughts and force you to seek out information.

B. Use Six-thinking Hats Technique.

2. Functional Fixedness

Functional fixedness is a type of cognitive bias that involves a tendency to see objects as only working in a particular way. For example, if you see a book, you see only it's one utility i.e., Reading. However, the book can be used as a tool to hammer things.

Strategies to remove them

A. Restructuring, see the objects as parts rather than a whole object. breaking it into parts will help you to get an insight into its uses.

B. Flexibility, whenever you break an object into parts, are those parts relevant and what use can they be put to

Sarathy V. Real-world problem-solving. Front Hum Neurosci. 2018;12:261. DOI:10.3389/fnhum.2018.00261