DEFINITION

 The problem solving is a process of overcoming difficulties that appear to interfere with
the attainment of goal. (SKINNER)

 The problem solving is a systematic approach to the solution or alleviation of problems

characterised by sequential execution of the following observation through action
process.

APPROACHES
INDUCTIVE APPROACH

It is the process of developing generalization from specific observations

DEDUCTIVE APPROACH

It is the process of developing specific predictions from general principles

PROBLEM SOLVING PROCESS PROBLEM DEFINITION PROBLEM

ANALYSIS GENERATIN G PROBLEM SOLUTIONS ANALYSING THE
SOLUTION SELECTING BEST SOLUTION AND IMPLEMENT ATION
EVALUATIO N AND REVISION

PROBLEM DEFINITION:
 The normal process for solving a problem initially involves defining the problem that is
to be solved. In this first stage there is a need to write down what exactly the problem
entails, which helps to identify the real problem that is under study and needs an
immediate solution. This is considered as most essential step of the problem-solving
process

PROBLEM ANALYSIS:
 Analyse how the problem affects the researcher and his or her Current situation and the
other people involved in the situation. • The analysis helps in understanding the source
of the problem and how it affects the current developments and the researcher’s
environment. • It is often good to reconfirm, if the initial problem definition is still valid.

GENERATING POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS:

  Focus must be on identifying and generating all possible solutions for a problem. Each
potential idea for solution of a problem must be considered without discarding it through
value judgement

ANALYSING THE SOLUTIONS

 Various factors about each of the potential solutions are investigated, wherein all the
positive and negative aspects of each solution are analysed.

SELECTING THE BEST SOLUTION AND IMPLEMENTATION

 Best solution is selected based on the careful judgement, which is supposed to solve the
problem swiftly and smoothly. •The final step of the problem-solving process is to
practically solve the problem by implementing the selected solution

EVALUATION AND REVISION

 Evaluation is made to judge the effectiveness of the solution in resolving the problem.
This stage also helps to redefine the problem and revise the problem-solving process In
case the initial solution fails to manage the problem effectively.

 It is a systematic, controlled, empirical and critical investigation of hypothetical

prepositions about the presumed relations among natural phenomena
(KERLINGER1973)

SCIENTIFIC METHODS
 Scientific methods are defined as controlled, systematic investigation that are rooted in objective
reality and that aim to develop general knowledge about natural phenomena.

Polit and Hungler describes the characteristics of scientific approach are

 They are orderly and systematically • Scientist attempts to control external factors that
are not under direct investigation
 Their findings are based on the empirical evidences
 Findings of scientific methods can be generalised , which means that they can be used in
situations other than the one under study
 They are based on assumptions or hypotheses • They are basically conducted to develop
or test hypothesis

OBJECTIVES
  Description To observe in order to know, is the aim of all nursing research. The nurse
who observes, “Verifies and documents his/her observations work at a crucial level of
research.

Exploration
 Exploratory research is an extension of descriptive research and is more directly oriented
towards the discovery of relationship. Explanation

 To predict nurse begins with an explanation – what should be found on observation and
tests these predictions in nursing research. Descriptive and exploratory research provides
new information whereas theoretical or explanatory research offers us understanding.

Prediction and control

 The researcher may predict that correlations will be found between specified factors. It is
possible to use the scientific approach to make reliable predictions and to develop control
mechanisms in the absence of total understanding.

LIMITATIONS OF SCIENTIFIC METHODS

 Moral or ethical problem
 Human complexity
 Measurement problems
 External variable control problems

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SCIENTIFIC METHOD AND PROBLEM

SOLVING METHORD

JOURNAL ABSTRACT
 Randomised controlled trial of problem solving treatment, antidepressant medication,
and combined treatment for major depression in primary care

Objectives:

 To determine whether problem solving treatment combined with antidepressant medication

is more effective than either treatment alone in the management of major depression in
primary care. To assess the effectiveness of problem solving treatment when given by
practice nurses compared with general practitioners when both have been trained in the
technique
 Design:
 Randomised controlled trial with four treatment groups.
 Setting: Primary care in Oxfordshire.

Participants:

 Patients aged 18-65 years with major depression on the research diagnostic criteria—a
score of 13 or more on the 17 item Hamilton rating scale for depression and a minimum
duration of illness of four weeks.

Interventions:

 Problem solving treatment by research general practitioner or research practice nurse or

antidepressant medication or a combination of problem solving treatment and
antidepressant medication.
 Main outcome measures: Hamilton rating scale for depression, Beck depression
inventory, clinical interview schedule (revised), and the modified social adjustment
schedule assessed at 6, 12, and 52 weeks.

Results:

 Patients in all groups showed a clear improvement over 12 weeks. The combination of
problem solving treatment and antidepressant medication was no more effective than
either treatment alone. There was no difference in outcome irrespective of who delivered
the problem solving treatment.
 Conclusions: Problem solving treatment is an effective treatment for depressive disorders
in primary care. The treatment can be delivered by suitably trained practice nurses or
general practitioners. The combination of this treatment with antidepressant medication is
no more effective than either treatment alone.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
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 Kaur S, Singh A. simplified nursing research and statistics. Delhi; CBS publications. 2016.
 Kothari CR. Research methodology, methords and techniques. Delhi; New age international
publications. 2010
 Basavanthappa BT. Nursing research and statistics. Third edition. New Delhi’’; jay pee brothers
publications.2014
 Houser J. nursing research . New Delhi; Jonea and Bartlet publishers . 2011
 Raj EB. Nursing research and bio statistics. Third edition. Bangalor; EMMESS publications.
2017