Objective 3.01
Explain the DEAL problem-solving method
DEAL: Define the requirements, Explore the possibilities, Act on selected approaches that may
lead to solutions, & Look back to evaluate the solutions so that models and prototypes may be
developed and tested (Bransford,1993).
The D.E.A.L.
Problem Solver
Related VoCATS Test Items
1.
A.
B.
C.
D.
The universal systems model utilizes the following steps:
Input, process, output, feedback.
Define, act, explore, look.
Safety, quality, ergonomics, repair.
None of the above.
2.
A.
B.
C.
D.
The term “DEAL” refers to which of the following?
define, explore, act, look back
determine, explore, act, look
determine, evaluate, answer, look
define, explore, act, lack
3.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Which of the following steps is part of the universal systems model?
reasoning
process
drilling
kickback
4.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Which of the following is a step of the universal systems model?
entropy
motion
feedback
action
5.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Why is it important to follow a formal problem solving method?
You are guaranteed the right answer.
It is required for the course.
You deal with problems logically.
For safety
6.
A.
B.
C.
D.
What is the first step in the problem solving method?
getting something done
define the problem clearly
develop a "can do" attitude
do what seems easiest
7.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Why is it critical to first clearly define the problem?
ensures you address the correct issue
ensures you will do everything correctly
ensures you will get the right answer
allows you to brainstorm
8.
A.
B.
C.
D.
When you build a solution to a problem it is important that you test its performance because:
evaluation enables you to correct or improve its performance
there is only one solution
because it is the third step in the problem solving method
because it is the first step in the problem solving method.
9.
A.
B.
C.
D.
The acronym or initials for our problem solving method is:
S.O.L.V.E.
A.C.T.
P.R.O.B.
D.E.A.L.
10. The second step in the problem solving method:
A. flow diagram
B. work hard
C. explore all possible solutions
D. act on the problem
11. In problem solving, when exploring all possible solutions:
A. dismiss poor ideas at once
B. consider the consequences of each
C. consider nothing
D. let others narrow down the choices
12. The third step in the problem solving method is:
A. Act on the best solution
B. Exploring all possible solutions
C. Define the problem
D. Defining the solution
13. After exploring all possible solutions, you then:
A. define the solution
B. define the problem
C. act on the best solution
D. act on all solutions
14. The fourth step in the problem solving method is:
A. defining the problem
B. defining the solution
C. exploring all possible solutions
D. look back and evaluate
15. When you look back and evaluate, it enables you to:
A. make adjustments if necessary
B. act on the best solution
C. act on all solutions
D. start all over again
Items 16 through 20 are based on the following scenario.
Tragically, a space shuttle blew up on a mission and two lives were lost. The nation grieved and
NASA suffered a substantial loss in public confidence. Because of the tragedy NASA had
difficulty getting adequate financial support to sustain the shuttle program. After investigating
the explosion, NASA determined the cause was a faulty O-ring in the reusable boosters. The
most critical thing NASA had to do to regain public confidence and funding was to identify and
correct the problem.
16. The first step in the problem solving method would suggest that NASA:
A. explore all possible solutions
B. clearly define the problem
C. act on the best solution
D. look back and evaluate
17. The most critical problem NASA faced was:
A. trying to raise money to sustain the program
B. trying to determine what went wrong
C. identifying and correcting what went wrong
D. building a new shuttle
18. The fact that there were multiple issues related to the accident indicates the need to:
A. define the solution
B. clearly define the problem
C. explore all possible solutions
D. be cautious and do nothing for the time being
19. The fact that NASA found faulty O-rings had caused the explosion indicates NASA needed to:
A. first find financial backing
B. first identify what caused the failure of the O-rings
C. first act to do something
D. be cautious and do nothing for the time being
20. After dealing with the tragedy of lost lives, NASA had to first :
A.
B.
C.
D.
acquire financial backing
find out who caused the problem
find out what caused the problem
reassure the public.