Chapter 2 Problem Solving

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Chapter 2 Problem Solving

• Ethan Creed
• Fundamentals of Technology
• 1-28-09

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6-Step Problem Solving Process

• State the problem clearly
• Collect Information
• Develop possible solutions
• Select the best solution
• Implement the solution
• Evaluate the solution

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1) State The Problem Clearly

• Solving any problem starts with knowing what that
  problem is.
• While stating the problem actually suggests a
  solution.
• For example what about the problem of too much
  garbage? 1) is the problem to design ways of
  removing the garbage, or 2) to design ways of
  reusing the garbage, or 3) to design ways of
  making products to create less garbage?
• A fourth possibility might be a combination of
  all three.

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2) Collect Information

• Once the problem is thoroughly understood,
  information that can be used to develop a good
  solution must be gathered.
• Sources of information depend on the nature of
  the problem.

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3) Develop Possible Solutions

• Most problems have more than one solution. The
  more possibilities people can come up with, the
  better.
• One way of developing alternative solutions is
  through trial and error.
• Example Thomas Edison was developing a practical
  light bulb, he tried many types of materials for
  the light bulb filament, including strands of red
  hair. He failed many times. Finally, he found
  that carbonized thread worked.

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4) Select The Best Solution

• In order to choose the best one, all the possible
  solutions must be evaluated.
• Many factors must be considered, and a good
  decision must be based on your goals and your
  particular situation.
• Part of a good problem solving is being able to
  recognize which factors are most important.
• There is rarely a perfect solution to a problem.
• Sometimes more than one solution to a problem
  will be chosen because there is seldom one best
  solution that fits all circumstances.

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5) Implement The Solution

• During the implementation process, models are
  made and ideas are tested to make sure the
  solution is workable.
• For example testing seat belt and air bag
  designs for cars, auto manufacturers actually
  stimulate crashes, using dummies in the cars.

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6) Evaluate The Solution

• The information that was obtained from testing
  helps refine the solution.
• After the bugs have been worked out, the
  technology can be put to use, but it doesnt end
  here.
• Sometimes the product could not be successful
  with the consumers. They could have problems
  assembling it in the first place.

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Thinking Skills

• Critical-thinking skills
• Creative-thinking skills
• Decision-making skills

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Critical-thinking skills

• This skill is used to analyze problems and make
  judgments

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Creative-thinking skills

• This skill is used to develop new, original ideas
  or improve existing ideas.

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Decision-making skills

• This skill is applied when making a choice among
  several possibilities.

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Scientific Method

• Make an observation
• Collect information
• Form a hypothesis
• Perform an experiment
• Analyze the results
• Repeat the process

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Make an observation

• You might notice that certain green plants in
  your yard grow better in sunlight than in shade

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Collect information

• Does a particular green plant grow well only in
  direct sunlight? What kinds of plants grow in
  shade? How much sunlight do plants need to
  thrive?

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Form a hypothesis

• A hypothesis is an explanation that can be
  tested. Your hypothesis might be Green Plant A
  needs direct sunlight to grow well.

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Perform an experiment

• Performing an experiment is used to see if your
  hypothesis is correct or incorrect.

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Analyze the Results

• How did your experiment turn out? Did the
  experiment prove or disprove your hypothesis?
  Collect data of the experiment in this stage.

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Repeat the Process

• Example use other samples of the same plant