1 Jehu Gonzalez Colorado State University Global CSC200-1 Computer Science Fundamentals Dr. Lori Farr 5/14/21 2 Problem Solving How would you illuminate a question, whether it's a complex numerical problem or a faulty printer? Before you can find a solution to a problem, you must first understand the problem. From there, one of the logical thinking systems can be used to arrive at a solution. A game plan for finding a solution is referred to as a problem solving strategy. Different methodologies have different activity schedules associated with them. Trial & Error A popular problem-solving approach is trial and error. It's defined by rehashed, altered tasks that are repeated until progress is made, or until the practitioner gives up. Edward Lee Thorndike was the one who proposed the experimentation learning theory, and based on his findings, he explained the best way to deal with an experiment in a research facility. In his popular experiment, a feline was placed in a series of perplexing encloses requests in order to contemplate the rule of impact in learning. He mapped expectations in order to absorb details, and he kept track of any preliminary's planning. Thorndike's main belief was that positive results aided learning, which was later refined and confirmed by B. F. Skinner's Operant conditioning. The experimentation method works best for simple problems and games, and it is often used as a last resort when no obvious theory applies. This isn't to say that the technique is inherently indiscreet; a person may be rigorous in monitoring the variables in order to determine possible outcomes that will lead to change. After all is said and done, this technique is often used by people who have no knowledge of the subject matter. 3 Algorithm use The advantage of using an Algorithm to solve a problem or make a decision is that it always produces the best result. This is useful in situations where precision is needed or where similar issues must be understood on a regular basis. A lot of the time, PC projects are designed to speed up this process. The data should then be entered into the framework so that the equation can be run to come up with the best possible arrangement. Such step-by-step methods can be useful in situations where every decision must be taken following a similar method and precision is essential. You can be confident that you will get the right answer every time because the technique follows a proven methodology. The disadvantage of using an algorithm to solve the problem is that it will be very time consuming. So, if you're faced with a situation where you need to make a quick decision, you may be better off using a different critical thinking method. Heuristics A heuristic strategy is a method of locating a solution to a problem that comes from the Greek word 'eurisko,' which means 'to discover, hunt, or find.' It has to do with employing a practical approach that doesn't have to be perfect. Heuristic tactics shorten the time it takes to reach a satisfactory agreement. Past experiences with critical problems are used, and may include situations involving people, computers, or theoretical issues. György (George) Pólya, a Hungarian mathematician, is one of the writers of heuristics, having published a book on the subject called 'How to Solve It' in 1945. He used four rules to organize the rationale for logical thought. 4 Problem Solving Scenarios Putting together an awards banquet for your child's soccer team is an algorithm-based technique since it requires step-by-step divisions of the arrangements and a structured approach. Buying a dress or suit for an awards ceremony where you will be honored is a trial and error process because you can try on as many dresses or suits as you want and take your time selecting the one that best suits your needs. Buying a toy for your four-year-old nephew or niece is Heuristics because it does not require much time or in-depth analytical thought to make a decision. At Least that is how we see it, but once broken down it might seem different. It might just seem as simple as 3 steps. Go to the store, choose a toy, and buy a toy. But each step in a way has smaller sub steps, for example step one ‘Go to store’. This could be broken down to 3 steps like, choose store, find location, head to store. For ‘Choose a toy’, it could be, Walk down the aisle, choose possible choices, end up with one. So I see that as smaller steps to each big step in the process. So now three things these three scenarios all have in common. First, as with all problems, concentrate on the solution. Second, There was no sophistication in any of the problems; they were all of a mediocre degree of difficulty. Thirdly, all three challenges are faced by the majority of us, and they have all been solved using a similar approach. 5 References Cherry, K. (2020, April 8). How Algorithms Are Used for Problem Solving in Psychology. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-an-algorithm-2794807. Heuristic Techniques for Problem Solving. Free Management Books. (2016, December 21). http://www.free-management-ebooks.com/news/heuristic-techniques-for-problem-solving/. Thorndike's Trial and Error Theory: Learning: Psychology. Psychology Discussion - Discuss Anything About Psychology. (2018, March 31). https://www.psychologydiscussion.net/learning/learning-theory/thorndikes-trial-and-errortheory-learning-psychology/13469.
