"IDARCME" Problem-Solving
Problem-solving today has a very wide scope and takes an interdisciplinary approach.
Problem-solving is about seeing a problem and actually finding a solution to that problem, not just the band-aid approach to fix the symptom. Problem-solving involves systematically exploring possible actions to reach a predefined goal. Thinking during problem-solving is often cyclical, where the solution to one problem leads to another.One approach to understanding problem-solving involves moving from observation to action through defined steps (IDARCME):
-Identification of Problems: Recognizing the existence of a problem.
-Definition of Problem: Determining the nature of the problem.
-Allocation of Resources: Deciding on the resources to devote to solving the problem.
-Representation of Problem: Organizing the information needed to solve the problem.
-Construction of Strategy: Deciding how to combine and prioritize criteria.
-Monitoring: Assessing whether the problem-solving process is proceeding as intended.
-Evaluation: Evaluating the success of the problem-solving effort.
Problem-solving has a very wide scope and takes an interdisciplinary approach. There are also different approaches to solving problems, including algorithms and heuristics. Algorithms guarantee a solution if followed strictly, though they can be slow. Heuristics are informal and speculative procedures that may lead to a solution, but are not guaranteed. Common problem-solving heuristics include means-ends analysis, working forward, working backward, and generate-and-test.
