Chapter 2 Problem Solving Ethan Creed Fundamentals of Technology 1-28-09

6-Step Problem Solving Process State the problem clearly Collect Information Develop possible solutions Select the best solution Implement the solution Evaluate the solution

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 doesn’t end here. Sometimes the product could not be successful with the consumers. They could have problems assembling it in the first place.

Thinking Skills Critical-thinking skills Creative-thinking skills Decision-making skills

Critical-thinking skills This skill is used to analyze problems and make judgments

Creative-thinking skills This skill is used to develop new, original ideas or improve existing ideas.

Decision-making skills This skill is applied when making a choice among several possibilities.

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

Make an observation You might notice that certain green plants in your yard grow better in sunlight than in shade

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?

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.”

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

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.

Repeat the Process Example: use other samples of the same plant