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From Psychology to Computer Science: The Mysterious Journey of Problem Solving Revealed!
Problem solving is the process of achieving a goal by overcoming obstacles and is a regular part of most activities. The problems that need to be solved range from simple personal tasks, such as how to turn on a device, to complex issues in business and technology. Among these problems, one can distinguish between simple problem solving (SPS) and complex problem solving (CPS). The former deals with a single problem, while the latter involves multiple interrelated obstacles.
Problem solving requires sufficient resources and knowledge to achieve the goal.
Professionals, such as lawyers, doctors, programmers, and consultants, are often experts in solving problems that require technical knowledge beyond the capabilities of the general public. In the business world, many enterprises find profitable markets by identifying problems and creating solutions: the more widespread and inconvenient the problem, the greater the opportunity to develop a scalable solution.
Definition and classification
The definition of problem solving varies across disciplines. In psychology, it is a mental process; in computer science, it is an automated process. Problems can be divided into well-defined problems and ill-defined problems; for each type of problem, the solutions adopted are also different. Well-defined problems have concrete end goals and clear solutions, whereas ill-defined problems do not. Problem solving sometimes requires taking into account pragmatics (the contribution of context to meaning) and semantics (the interpretation of the problem). Understanding the ultimate goal of a problem and the applicable rules is key to solving it.
Human problem solving consists of two related processes: problem orientation and motivational, attitudinal, and emotional responses to the problem situation.
Problem Solving in Psychology
Problem solving in psychology refers to the process of finding solutions to problems encountered in life. Solutions are often situational or context specific. The process begins with problem discovery and simplification, continues with generating and evaluating possible solutions, and finally selects a solution for implementation and validation. Problems have an end goal to be achieved, and the way they are solved depends on problem orientation (coping style and skills for problem solving) and system analysis.
Problem Solving in Cognitive Science
In Germany, early experimental psychologists who studied problem solving, such as the Gestaltists Karl Duncker and Allen Newell and Herbert A. Simon, ) are all important figures in this field. Experiments from the 1960s and 1970s asked participants to solve relatively simple, known laboratory tasks. These simple problems allowed for the rapid discovery of optimal solutions and allowed researchers to observe the entire problem-solving process.
Problem Solving in Computer Science
Much of the work in computer science and artificial intelligence involves designing automated systems to solve a given type of problem: accepting input data and quickly producing a correct or plausible response. Algorithms are the recipes or instructions that guide these systems, written into computer programs. The steps to designing such a system include problem identification, heuristics, root cause analysis, and remediation.
A persistent obstacle in problem solving is finding and correcting errors in computer programs, or debugging.
Problem Solving in Logic and Engineering
In logic, formal logic deals with issues of validity, truth, inference, argumentation, and proof. Problem solving is equally important in engineering and military science, which involves the ultimate goal of strategy and the multiple levels of analysis required. Various problem-solving techniques such as failure mode and effects analysis can be used to proactively reduce the likelihood of problems and effectively predict actual problems before they occur.
Common obstacles
Common obstacles in problem solving include mental constructs that prevent effective solution search. For example, confirmation bias, mental set, and functional fixedness are all common factors that hinder problem solving. Each disorder has specific impacts that are not limited to individuals but also reflect on teamwork and organizational functioning.
Confirmation bias refers to the inadvertent collection and use of data that is consistent with one's existing ideas, which may lead to invalid conclusions.
In summary, problem definition and problem solving strategies are extremely important components of human behavior and thinking processes. With the development of science and technology, how to better understand and solve problems in psychology and computer science will become the focus and challenge of research in all walks of life. How do you think the nature of problem solving will change as technology advances?
