PROBLEM

SOLVING
STRATEGIES
PRESENTED BY:

UNIKA MAHARJAN (197057)

SEIKO SINGH (197111)
ASHMITA KATWAL (197041)
 Problem Solving Strategies

Problem-solving strategies are those steps that are used to identify the
problems that one faces while trying to achieve a goal.
Referred to as the ‘Problem-Solving Cycle’.
identifying the problem,
defining the problem,
identify a strategy that could be used to decide on the problem,
separate the relevant and irrelevant information,
land on an accurate solution.
 Abstraction

where the actual
Abstraction is a technique
problem is broken down into smaller problems.

For instance, a mathematics problem on

differentiation. There our problem was to identify
whether the function provided is a maximum or a
minimum function. There we have identified our set
goal and divided the problem into smaller problems
and used the solution obtained in those problems to
solve the bigger problem.

 Brainstorming
Brainstorming is a well-known

technique for encouraging creative

thinking for problem solving.
Should consist of up to twelve
participants, including both
experts in and people who are
new to the focus of the session.
The group is then encouraged to
come up with the ideas that could
be used to solve a simple and well
defined problem..
 Hypothesis Testing

statistical method where
Hypothesis testing is a common
assumptions are made to explain the problem at hand.

For example, we have to identify if there is a relation

between smoking and lung cancer.
(hypothesis) there is no relationship between smoking
and lung cancer.
(hypothesis) there is a relation.
If there is no connection then we do not have to come up
with further solutions. However, if the hypothesis is proved
false, we have to identify certain solutions to reduce the
effect of smoking on the lungs.
 Lateral Thinking
•Problem-solving technique in which new
concepts are created by looking at things in
unusual ways.
•Approaching solutions indirectly and creatively
•occurs spontaneously, generating and
exploring many different ideas to reach
resolutions.
•Lateral thinking is vital for organizations
because it is the key to finding new and better
ways to do things.
 What would you do?
You're Driving in your car on a STORMY day. You pass by a bus stop, and see THREE
people waiting there. The first, is the perfect woman of your DREAMS; The Second is an
old friend who once SAVED your life; and the third is a lonely OLD lady who looks really
SICK; If you had only one seat in your car... Who would you offer a ride to ?
A lateral thinker would answer it this way:

I would give the car keys to my old friend, let him drive the old lady to the
hospital, and stay behind to wait for the bus with the woman of my dream.
 Proof

•You have to be pessimistic in the beginning.

•State that problem cannot be solved.
•Then prove why this problem cannot be solved.
•The point where the proof fails will be the starting point for solving it.

For example:
Ram is doing well in college, his expenses are covered. He wants to go for a
vacation but assumes he cannot afford for it. He analyzes his income, savings, and
budget to better calculate to proof the assumption he made. But later realizes he
can actually afford if he saves. So, he starts solving the problem by maintaining
desired level of spending so that he could travel.
 Means End Analysis
•You try to identify the initial state and also the
final goal.
•To achieve that final goal it helps you to see
the steps needed to get there through sub
goals.
•Means end analysis problem solving is equally
useful for project tracking and management.
•Each action that is executed leads to the next
action.
•These sub-goals or steps are helpful to track
and monitor implementation progress.
 Analogy
•An abstract parallel between two quite different things.
•The perfect example for this is the radiation problem that was stated by K.
Duncker in the year 1945.
‘A General was looking at capturing his enemy’s fortress. He decided to
launch an attack at the enemy. He had a large army and was confident of winning.
Then he learned that every road that led to the fortress was rigged with mines.
Only small groups of men could pass through those roads without setting the
mines off. He then divided his men into smaller groups and then led the attack on
the enemy’s fortress.’
Three step strategy:

Notice Map Apply

 Reduction
•Combination of both Abstraction and Analogy.
•Break the problem down through abstraction.
•Using analogy, identify solutions to those smaller problems.
•Using these solutions, a consolidated solution is found for the bigger problem.
The cannibal-missionaries problem:
On one side of a river are three
missionaries and three cannibals.
They have a boat on their side that
is capable of carrying two at a time
across the river. The goal is to
transport all six across to the other
side of the river. At no point on
either side of the river can cannibals
outnumber missionaries. The
problem, then, is to find a method of
transporting all six across the river
without the missionaries ever being
outnumbered.
 Trial and Error
•Continue trying different solutions until problem is solved.
•Fail your way to success.
•Example: Restarting phone, turning off WiFi, turning off bluetooth in order to
determine why your phone is malfunctioning.
Multiple solutions are attempted until the correct one is found.

Thank You For Listening <3