7.4. Problem Solving

How do we proceed while repairing a broken cycle, or planning a summer tour or patching up a broken friendship? In some cases the solution is reached quickly as in repair of a bicycle based on immediately available cues whereas others are more complex and require time and effort. Problem solving is thinking that is goal-directed. Almost all our day-to-day activities are directed towards a goal. Here it is important to know that problems are not always in the form of obstacles or hurdles that one faces. It could be any simple activity that you perform to reach a defined goal, for example, preparing a quick snack for your friend who has just arrived at your place.

Problem solving is about finding solutions to challenges we face in everyday life. It can vary widely from simple tasks, like making food for a friend, to complex situations, like fixing a bike. The essential point is that problem solving is always directed towards achieving a specific goal, whether immediate like cooking or long-term like planning. This mindset helps us to focus our thoughts and strategies in order to arrive at a solution quickly or methodically.

Think of a time when you had to find your way to a new friend's house. Initially, you might have felt unsure about the route, but as you looked around for landmarks and asked locals for directions, your problem solving skills kicked in, and soon enough, you reached your destination. This shows how problem solving is applicable in our daily tasks.

In problem solving there is an initial state (i.e. the problem) and there is an end state (the goal). These two anchors are connected by means of several steps or mental operations. Table 7.1 would clarify your understanding of various steps through which one solves a problem.

Every problem solving process has a starting point, which is the problem itself and an endpoint, which is the goal you want to achieve. Connecting these two points requires following several mental steps, like understanding what the problem is, planning how to address it, and evaluating the solutions you've come up with. Each of these steps is crucial, as they help structure your approach toward finding a solution.

Imagine you're organizing a birthday party. The problem (initial state) is that you want to have a fun celebration, and your goal (end state) could be to have your friends enjoy the party. Your mental steps might include choosing a theme, deciding on a guest list, planning games and food, and evaluating what worked well after the party.

Two major obstacles to solving a problem are mental set and lack of motivation. Mental set is a tendency of a person to solve problems by following already tried mental operations or steps. Prior success with a particular strategy would sometimes help in solving a new problem. However, this tendency also creates a mental rigidity that obstructs the problem solver to think of any new rules or strategies.

Obstacles in problem-solving often arise from mental set, which is when we cling to methods we've used in the past, assuming they will work again. While this can be useful when facing familiar problems, it can hinder us when we encounter new challenges that require a different approach. Lack of motivation, on the other hand, can prevent us from even attempting to solve a problem enough, especially if we feel discouraged or overwhelmed.

Consider someone who always uses the same route to get to school. If a new roadblock arises and they refuse to try a different route because they're set in their way, they may end up late. In this case, the mental set blinds them to new possibilities. Similarly, if a student feels that they can never do well in math due to past failures, they may avoid tackling math problems altogether, affecting their ability to improve.

Let us look at the problem of organising a play in school on the occasion of Teachers’ Day. Problem solving would involve the following sequence. 1. Identify the problem: A week is left for teachers’ day and you are given the task of organising a play. 2. Represent the problem: Organising a play would involve identification of an appropriate theme, screening of actors, actresses, arranging money, etc.

For effective problem solving, it helps to break down the problem into clear steps. Start by identifying what the problem is — in our example, organizing a play for an upcoming event. Then, represent the problem by laying out all necessary factors such as theme selection, actor auditions, and budgeting. Following this structured approach leads to organized thoughts and ultimately a more effective solution.

Think of planning a group vacation: First, you discuss your destination (identify the problem). Then, you research the flights, accommodation, and activities (represent the problem). By systematically addressing each component of the planning process, you increase your chances for a well-organized trip.

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