Decision-making and Problem-solving
Appreciate the Complexities Involved in Decision-Making & Problem Solving
Develop evidence to support views
Analyze situations carefully
Discuss subjects in an organized way
Predict the consequences of actions
Weigh alternatives
Generate and organize ideas
Form and apply concepts
Design systematic plans of action
A 5-Step Problem-Solving Strategy
Specify the problem – a first step to solving a problem is to identify it as specifically as
possible. It involves evaluating the present state and determining how it differs from the
goal state.
Analyze the problem – analyzing the problem involves learning as much as you can
about it. It may be necessary to look beyond the obvious, surface situation, to stretch
your imagination and reach for more creative options.
seek other perspectives
be flexible in your analysis
consider various strands of impact
brainstorm about all possibilities and implications
research problems for which you lack complete information. Get help.
Formulate possible solutions – identify a wide range of possible solutions.
try to think of all possible solutions
be creative
consider similar problems and how you have solved them
Evaluate possible solutions – weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each
solution. Think through each solution and consider how, when, and where you could
accomplish each. Consider both immediate and long-term results. Mapping your
solutions can be helpful at this stage.
Choose a solution – consider 3 factors:
compatibility with your priorities
amount of risk
practicality
Keys to Problem Solving
Think aloud – problem solving is a cognitive, mental process. Thinking aloud or talking
yourself through the steps of problem solving is useful. Hearing yourself think can
facilitate the process.
Allow time for ideas to "gel" or consolidate. If time permits, give yourself time for
solutions to develop. Distance from a problem can allow you to clear your mind and get
a new perspective.
Talk about the problem – describing the problem to someone else and talking about it
can often make a problem become more clear and defined so that a new solution will
surface.
Decision Making Strategies
Decision making is a process of identifying and evaluating choices. We make
numerous decisions every day and our decisions may range from routine, every-day
types of decisions to those decisions which will have far reaching impacts. The types of
decisions we make are routine, impulsive, and reasoned. Deciding what to eat for
breakfast is a routine decision; deciding to do or buy something at the last minute is
considered an impulsive decision; and choosing your college major is, hopefully, a
reasoned decision. College coursework often requires you to make the latter, or
reasoned decisions.
Decision making has much in common with problem solving. In problem solving you
identify and evaluate solution paths; in decision making you make a similar discovery
and evaluation of alternatives. The crux of decision making, then, is the careful
identification and evaluation of alternatives. As you weigh alternatives, use the following
suggestions:
Consider the outcome each is likely to produce, in both the short term and the long
term.
Compare alternatives based on how easily you can accomplish each.
Evaluate possible negative side effects each may produce.
Consider the risk involved in each.
Be creative, original; don't eliminate alternatives because you have not heard or used
them before.
An important part of decision making is to predict both short-term and long-term
outcomes for each alternative. You may find that while an alternative seems most
desirable at the present, it may pose problems or complications over a longer time
period.
