CAPE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Unit 1 Information technology theory Module 3 Information and problem-solving CAPE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Objective 1: Explain the concept of problem-solving.

problem-solving as a process Problem-solving is a mental process involving a systematic approach in identifying a problem and analyzing it using critical thinking skills, or data gathering and IT tools, to understand and subsequently solve it.

Finding solutions to a problem…(1) Individuals find solutions to a problem using various methods. Problem-solving methods include: Trial-and-error (testing possible solutions until the right one is found). Experience (similar problem was previously solved). Knowledge (problem and solution are known). Research (finding existing solutions to similar problems). Divide and conquer (breaking down a large complex problem into smaller, solvable problems).

Finding solutions to a problem…(2) Problem-solving methods (cont’d): Brainstorming (discussing the problem among persons and choosing the optimum solution from the solutions or ideas given). Abstraction (solving the problem in a model of the system before applying to the real system). Hypothesis testing (assuming a possible explanation to the problem and trying to prove the assumption). Analogy (using a solution that solved an analogous problem). Root cause analysis (eliminating the cause of the problem).