It’s an important skill that we use to make all kinds of choices, both small and big.
Oftentimes, we don’t spend a lot of time thinking about the specific strategies we use for problem-solving.
However, psychologists have identified several tactics we use, each with its own pros and cons.
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Or you want to start a business but are confused about what steps to take.
There are many ways to go about solving a problem.
Analgorithmis a step-by-step procedure that, by following certain “rules” produces a solution.
Algorithms are commonly used in mathematics to solve division or multiplication problems.
But they can be used in other fields as well.
In psychology, algorithms can be used to help identify individuals with a greater risk of mental health issues.
One benefit of algorithms is that they guarantee an accurate answer.
In such instances, we might decide to use heuristics to find a speedy solution.
Heuristicsare shortcut strategies that people can use to solve a problem at hand.
Psychologists refer to this strategy as trial-and-error.
This can be a good strategy to use if you have a limited number of solutions available.
Insight
Sometimes, the solution to a problem can appear as a sudden insight.
Insight can occur when the problem in front of you resembles an issue you’ve dealt with before.
The result is that they may not even try some potential options, which can hurt the outcome.
The more complex the problem, the easier it is to focus on misleading or irrelevant information.
However, mental sets can also lead to inflexibility, making it more difficult to find effective solutions.
Takeaways
Problem-solving strategies often involve a range of processes, from trial-and-error to step-by-step solutions.
Understanding which strategy is best suited to a specific problem can help you choose the right approach.
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National Alliance on Mental Illness.Warning signs and symptoms.
