Problem Solving

Decision making:

Identify the decision

Clearly define the _____of the decision you must make.

Decision making:

Choose among alternatives

You may even choose a ________ of alternatives.

What is one strategy for problem-solving mentioned in the text?

• Ignoring the problem and hoping it goes away

• Making the problem as complex as possible

• Breaking down a complex problem into smaller, more manageable parts

• Avoiding setting any goals

What is one of the main functions of directed thinking according to the text?

• To create complex problems

• To bridge the gap between a present situation and a desired goal

• To make problems more difficult

• To discourage problem-solving

What does the woman in the text do to solve her problem of reaching Chicago for a business conference on time?

• She takes the first available plane.

• She decides to drive a car.

• She cancels her conference.

• She walks to Chicago.

How do most people determine which problem-solving strategy to use in a particular situation?

• They rely on random chance.

• They analyze the problem to see if it resembles a past experience.

• They always use the same strategy regardless of the situation.

• They flip a coin to decide.

Have you ever solved a problem? Have you hacked a game? Have your found a creative way to get a high mark on an exam? Have you had a challenge that you solved in a creative way?? Give an example!

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Brainstorming is an example of ___ thinking, the process of coming up with multiple, unique solutions to solve a problem.

• resurgent

• divergent

• convergent

_____ thinking is the process of finding a single best solution to one problem.

• divergent

• emergent

• convergent

Which of the following is a common problem-solving strategy in English literature?

• A) Ignoring the problem

• B) Breaking down the problem into smaller parts

• C) Making the problem more complex

• D) Avoiding the problem