Question

Sue is 14 and depressed. She recently argued with her best friend and is feeling hopeless that she can work things out. Her therapist asked her how she might solve this problem but Sue could name only one solution that she did not think would help. The therapist wants to teach Sue problem solving skills that will help Sue with which of the following:

(a) Thinking of a number of solutions, not just the first one that comes to mind

(b) Thinking about the pros and cons of each solution, rather than immediately dismissing them

(c) Pick the solution that is guaranteed to work

(d) A & B

(e) All of the above

Answer 1

My answer is (d) A & B because:

The very figure teaches us first to identify the problem

then to understand the various ways by which it can be solved

then to evaluate how successful each method listed would be for solving a particular problem

lastly selecting the best you feel can solve the particular problem

Hence there is no full proof or 100% guarantee that your chosen method of solving a problem is correct hence the option C given in the solution above (c) Pick the solution that is guaranteed to work --- doesnot go with problem solving as it is a trial and error method. It's obvious you will choose the best method after evaluation but there is no guarantee that you won't have to make improvements to the existing method.