Problem solving by nine dots
Purpose
To study the problem solving ability of the subject by using nine-dots.
Introduction
A problem arises when we need to overcome some obstacle in order to get from
our current state to a desired state. Problem solving is the process that an organism implements
in order to try to get from the current state to the desired state.
Behaviorist researchers argued that problem solving was a reproductive process; that is,
organisms faced with a problem applied behavior that had been successful on a previous
occasion. Successful behavior was itself believed to have been arrived at through a process of
trial-and-error. In 1911 Edward Thorndike had developed his law of effect after observing cats
discover how to escape from the cage into which he had placed them. This greatly influenced the
behaviorist view of problem solving
In cognitive psychology, the term problem-solving refers to the mental process that
people go through to discover, analyze, and solve problems.
There are a number of mental processes at work during problem-solving. These include:
● Perceptually recognizing a problem
● Representing the problem in memory
● Considering relevant information that applies to the current problem
● Identify different aspects of the problem
● Labeling and describing the problem
Problem solving cycle
The Problem-Solving Cycle includes the following steps.
1) Problem Identification
2) Problem Definition and Representation
3) Strategy Formulation
4) Organization of Information
5) Resource Allocation
6) Monitoring
7) Evaluation
Steps in the Problem-Solving cycle
Problem Identification
Problem identification is the first step in problem solving and requires the identification
of the problem. It may sound as a simple task but is not always so. One may identify the wrong
problem to begin with, which then may make all further attempts in problem solving as futile
and useless.
Problem Definition and Representation
After the problem has been identified, the next step is to appropriately and fully define
the problem so that it can be solved.
Strategy Formulation
The next step in the problem-solving cycle is to develop a strategy in order to solve the
problem. The approach used here may vary according to the situation and also according to the
person’s preferences.
Organization of Information
The information that is available needs to be organized, before one can come up with a
solution to a problem. The more the information that is available, the better prepared a person
is to come up with an accurate solution.
Resource Allocation
Before problem solving begins, it is important to decide how high in the priority list the
problem is, so that appropriate amount of resources can be allocated to it. If the problem is
judged to be very important, then more resources can be allocated to finding its solution.
Monitoring
Monitoring is also an important process in solving a problem. Monitoring the progress
while working towards a solution is important, as the strategies and approaches employed
presently can be reevaluated if a good progress is not being made in the problem solving
process.
Evaluation
The last step in problem solving is evaluation. After the solution of the problem has
been found, it is important to evaluate the results in order to find whether or not the best
possible solution to the problem has been reached. This evaluation might be immediate, such
as checking the results of a math problem to ensure the answer is correct, or it can be delayed,
such as evaluating the success of a therapy program after several months of treatment.
Types of Problems
Problem solving is basically a process that involves a state of desire for reaching a goal
from a condition that is far from it. Generally, problems can be classified into two types; one
that are well defined, and one that are not.
Ill-Defined problems
Ill- defined problems, as the name suggests, are those problems which are not defined
properly. These are the problems that do not have any clear goals, or information, or solution
paths, or any clear expected solutions. In ill-defined problems, it is not clear what information
one should start from. It is also not clear when the solution has been reached, or what rules
apply in finding out that solution.
Well-Defined problems
Well- defined problems, in contrast, are those in which all the aspects of the problem
are clearly laid out. These problems have specific goals, clearly defined solution paths, and clear
expected solutions.
Problem solving may be defined as situation when a person finds any obstacle on way to goal
achievement in a new and strange situation and he did not have any readymade knowledge to
cope with situation. Problem creates anxiety and frustration. There are following two methods of
problem solving.
Trial and error
Insight
Trial and error. It is a process of succeeding in many attempts by trying repeatedly and
learning from one failure where the problem is either so difficult that subject has not a clue.
Subject may be engaged in random trial and error behaviour with no evidence of thinking.
Insight. It is the ability to perceive and understand true nature of something. Problem
solving through insight is sudden awareness of relationship among various elements that had
previously appeared to be independent of one another. Psychologists do not know how insight
operates but do realize that it can be a useful approach to problem solving. Once a problem is
recognized people generally go about solving it in four ways which are introduced by (Wessel,
1982). These steps are as follow:
Defining a problem
Devising a strategy
Executing the problem
Evaluating the process
Hypothesis
With the course of time, problem solving ability improves.
Apparatus
Cards consist of nine dots, stop watch, paper and pencil.
Participant
Name: Z.A
Age: 22
Gender: Female
Education: B.S 7th semester
