Page 161 - Keys to College Success

WHAT PROCESS CAN HELP YOU SOLVE
problems and make decisions?

Successful problem solvers and decision makers put their analytical, creative, and
practical thinking skills together to solve problems and make decisions. Problem solving
and decision making follow similar paths, both requiring you to identify and analyze
a situation, generate possibilities, choose one, follow through on it, and evaluate its
success. Key 5.11 gives an overview of the paths, indicating how you think at each step.
Later in the chapter, Keys 5.13 and 5.14 show how to use this path, and a visual organizer,
to map out problems and decisions effectively.
Understanding the differences between problem solving and decision making will help
you know how to proceed. See Key 5.12 for more information. Whereas all problem solv-
ing involves decision making, only some decision making requires you to solve a problem.

Solve a Problem
Use these strategies as you move through the problem-solving process outlined in Key 5.11.

Use probing questions to define problems. Ask: What is the problem? And what is
causing the problem? Engage your emotional intelligence. If you determine that you are not
motivated to do your work for a class, for example, you could ask questions like these:
■ Do my feelings stem from how I interact with my instructor or classmates?
■ Is the subject matter difficult? Uninteresting? Is the volume of work too much?
Chances are that how you answer one or more of these questions may help you
define the problem—and ultimately solve it.
Analyze carefully. Gather information that will help you examine the problem.
Consider how the problem is similar to, or different from, other problems. Clarify facts.

KEY 5.11 Solve problems and make decisions using successful intelligence.
5 PROBLEM SOLVING THINKING SKILL DECISION MAKING
CHAPTER Define the problem—recognize that something needs DEFINE Define the decision—identify your goal (your need)

STEP 1
to change, identify what’s happening, look for true causes.
and then construct a decision that will help you get it.
Analyze the problem—gather information, break it Examine needs and motives—consider the
STEP 2
down into pieces, verify facts, look at perspectives and ANALYZE layers of needs carefully, and be honest about what
assumptions, evaluate information. you really want.
Generate possible solutions—use creative Name and/or generate different options—use
STEP 3
strategies to think of ways you could address the CREATE creative questions to come up with choices that
causes of this problem. would fulfill your needs.
Evaluate solutions—look carefully at potential pros STEP 4 Evaluate options—look carefully at potential pros
and cons of each, and choose what seems best. ANALYZE (EVALUATE) and cons of each, and choose what seems best.

Put the solution to work—persevere, focus on STEP 5 Act on your decision—go down the path and use
results, and believe in yourself as you go for your goal. TAKE PRACTICAL ACTION practical strategies to stay on target.

Evaluate how well the solution worked—look STEP 6 Evaluate the success of your decision—look
at the effects of what you did. ANALYZE (REEVALUATE) at whether it accomplished what you had hoped.
In the future, apply what you’ve learned—use In the future, apply what you’ve learned—
STEP 7
this solution, or a better one, when a similar situation TAKE PRACTICAL ACTION make this choice, or a better one, when a similar
comes up again. decision comes up again.

124