The document outlines seven steps in problem solving, which include defining the problem, analyzing it, brainstorming possible solutions, selecting the best solution, evaluating solutions, developing an action plan, and implementing the solution. It emphasizes the importance of a clear problem statement and careful evaluation of solutions to avoid common pitfalls such as poorly defined goals or emotional interference. The process is structured to facilitate effective resolution of issues through logical and systematic approaches.

1. Steps in Problem
Steps in Problem
Solving
Solving
Written by:
Written by:
Dr. Frank Flanders
Dr. Frank Flanders
and Cate Buchanan
and Cate Buchanan
Georgia CTAE Resource
Georgia CTAE Resource
Network
Network

2. Objective
Objective
 List and explain
List and explain
the seven steps
the seven steps
in problem
in problem
solving.
solving.

3. What is problem solving?
What is problem solving?
 Problem solving is a process of working
Problem solving is a process of working
through the details of a problem to reach
through the details of a problem to reach
a solution. Someone seeking to solve a
a solution. Someone seeking to solve a
problem may use the seven steps of
problem may use the seven steps of
problem solving.
problem solving.

4. Seven Steps in Problem Solving
Seven Steps in Problem Solving
1)
1) Define and Identify the
Define and Identify the
Problem
Problem
2)
2) Analyze the Problem
Analyze the Problem
3)
3) Identifying Possible
Identifying Possible
Solutions
Solutions
4)
4) Selecting the Best
Selecting the Best
Solutions
Solutions
5)
5) Evaluating Solutions
Evaluating Solutions
6)
6) Develop an Action Plan
Develop an Action Plan
7)
7) Implement the Solution
Implement the Solution

5. Define and Identify the Problem
Define and Identify the Problem
 Write down a statement which
Write down a statement which
summarizes the problem. This statement
summarizes the problem. This statement
may be long if the problem is complex.
may be long if the problem is complex.
 Set a goal for solving the problem.
Set a goal for solving the problem.
 Example: The computer will boot up but
Example: The computer will boot up but
immediately turn itself off.
immediately turn itself off.
When the problem is solved the computer
When the problem is solved the computer
will be usable.
will be usable.

6. Analyze the Problem
Analyze the Problem
 Ask these questions:
Ask these questions:
• How long has the problem been going
How long has the problem been going
on?
on?
• What are the causes of the problem?
What are the causes of the problem?
• What are the effects and symptoms of the
What are the effects and symptoms of the
problem?
problem?
• Are there multiple steps to solving this
Are there multiple steps to solving this
specific problem?
specific problem?

7. Identifying Possible Solutions
Identifying Possible Solutions
 Brainstorming
Brainstorming
• Those working to solve the problem
Those working to solve the problem
should come up with as many solutions
should come up with as many solutions
as possible.
as possible.
• Often one person’s ideas may spur the
Often one person’s ideas may spur the
ideas of others.
ideas of others.
• All ideas should be written down to
All ideas should be written down to
evaluate later.
evaluate later.

8. Selecting the Best Solutions
Selecting the Best Solutions
 In this step use the brainstormed list
In this step use the brainstormed list
of possible solutions.
of possible solutions.
 Discuss each of the possible solutions
Discuss each of the possible solutions
and why they may or may not work.
and why they may or may not work.
 Select the most feasible solution.
Select the most feasible solution.

9. Evaluating Solutions
Evaluating Solutions
 Make a T chart with pros of the solution
Make a T chart with pros of the solution
on one side and the cons on the other.
on one side and the cons on the other.
 Ask these questions after making the T
Ask these questions after making the T
chart:
chart:
• What are the advantages of each solution?
What are the advantages of each solution?
• Are there any disadvantages to the solution?
Are there any disadvantages to the solution?
• Do disadvantages outweigh advantages?
Do disadvantages outweigh advantages?
• Would the solution actually solve the
Would the solution actually solve the
problem?
problem?

10. Develop an Action Plan
Develop an Action Plan
 Make a step by step plan which
Make a step by step plan which
should include:
should include:
• Tasks, what is to be done
Tasks, what is to be done
• Estimated time to complete each
Estimated time to complete each
task
task
• Who will do each task
Who will do each task
 When this plan is complete post
When this plan is complete post
it where it will be seen.
it where it will be seen.

11. Implement the Solution
Implement the Solution
 Follow the steps in the Action Plan
Follow the steps in the Action Plan
 If things start to get complicated make a
If things start to get complicated make a
three column chart:
three column chart:
• What could go wrong?
What could go wrong?
• How can you prevent this from happening?
How can you prevent this from happening?
• How will we fix it if something does go wrong?
How will we fix it if something does go wrong?
 Evaluate results:
Evaluate results:
• Is the problem solved?
Is the problem solved?

12. Common Mistakes in Problem
Common Mistakes in Problem
Solving
Solving
 The problem is not
The problem is not
well defined or there
well defined or there
is denial that the
is denial that the
problem exists.
problem exists.
 Goals are not clearly
Goals are not clearly
defined.
defined.
 Opinions, emotions,
Opinions, emotions,
feelings, and self-
feelings, and self-
interest interfere with
interest interfere with
objective thinking.
objective thinking.
 Individuals or
Individuals or
groups jump to
groups jump to
unwarranted
unwarranted
conclusions.
conclusions.
 Individuals or
Individuals or
groups are afraid
groups are afraid
to make
to make
mistakes.
mistakes.