Problem solving involves defining a problem, determining its cause, identifying alternatives, selecting a solution, and implementing it. There are two main methods: trial and error, which uses repeated attempts, and insight, which provides a sudden understanding of relationships. Effective problem solving considers individual factors like past experience and mental sets, follows steps and rules, and uses strategies like algorithms and heuristics while avoiding barriers such as confirmation bias, functional fixedness, and irrelevant information.

1. PROBLEM-SOLVING

2. WHAT IS PROBLEM SOLVING?
 Problem solving is the act of defining a
problem,determining the cause of the
problem,identifying,prioritizing and selecting
alternatives for a solution and implementing a
solution.
 It refers to our ability to solve problems in an
effective and timely manner .

3. METHODS OF PROBLEM SOLVING:
 There are two methods of problem solving:
 Trial and error
 Insight

4. TRIAL AND ERROR
 Trial and error is a fundamental method of problem
solving.It is characterized by repeated,varied
attempts which are continued until success or until
the practicer stops trying.
 For example: Imagine moving a large object such
as couch,or solving a maths problem.

5. INSIGHT
 : Problem solving through insight is a sudden
awareness of the relationship among various
elements that had previously appeared to be
independent of one another.Psychologists donot
know how insight operates,but do realize that it can
be a useful approach to problem solving.

6. STEPS IN PROBLEM SOLVING:

7. INDIVIDUAL FACTORS IN PROBLEM SOLVING:
 Mental Set: A mental set is the fixed possible
solution in one’s mind.It may be induced by
immediately preeceding experiences,by long
established practices or by reviving old habits.
 Past Experience: The more an individual’s
relevant experience in a given field,the more
concepts and generalizations he will have to the
present one.
 Frustration and Stress: It has been found that
stress and frustration cast adverse effect on
learning.Stress is more of hindrance to problem
solving when the solution requires a complex
response.

8. RULES IN PROBLEM SOLVING
 There are eight rules of problem solving:
 Run over the elements of the problem until a
pattern emerges
 Don’t jump to conclusions.
 Explore the environment.
 Produce the second solution after the first
 Critically evaluate your own ideas
 When stuck,change your representational system
 Take a break when you are stuck
 Talk about your problem with someone.

9. STRATEGIES IN PROBLEM SOLVING
 Alogrithms: In this strategy every possible
solution is tried until the correct one is found.
 For example: In an anagram three letters NFU
would be rearranged until the correct solution
FUN is found.
 Heuristics : A heuristic is a rule-of-thumb problem
solving strategy in which a person selectively tests
solution most likely to be correct.
 For example: We would most likely to try a
vowel in middle to produce FUN without
having to try all of the other solutions.

10. BARRIERS TO PROBLEM SOLVING
 Confirmation Bias
This is about not following the problem solving method, and
so introducing bias. This can be the result of missing steps
out, or not using them correctly.
 Mental Set
This comes from relying too heavily on heuristics-rather than
actively looking for the best or simplest solution.
 Functional Fixedness
This is about not thinking creatively. It is a narrow mind-
set. Functional Fixedness comes from people thinking that an
object has only one function.
 Unnecessary Constraint links to trying to solve a problem
using previous experience of what has worked in a situation
and trying to force it to work in the current situation, rather
than looking for a new solution.
 Irrelevant Information
This is information that is not needed to solve the problem.