Problem solving is a cognitive process of the brain that searches or infers a solution for a given problem in the form of a set of paths to reach a set of expected goals.

1. PROBLEM SOLVING
Group No 8
MISS SADAF REHMAN

2. GROUP MEMBERS
• AQSA SHAH

3. Contents
• Introduction
• Cognitive approach of problems solving
• Types of problem solving
• Steps of problem solving
• Purpose of problem solving
• Skills for problem solving
• Role of teacher & students in problem solving
• Strategies of problem solving
• Problem Space theory
• Gesalt Approach to problem solving
• The candle problem {dunker}
• The two string problem
• Problem solving by kholer

4. Problem Solving
• The ability to solve problems is a basic life skill and is
essential to our day-to-day lives, at home, at school, and at
work. We solve problems every day without really
thinking about how we solve them.
• Problem-solving is the ability to identify and solve
problems by applying appropriate skills systematically.

5. Cognitive approach of Problem solving
• Problem solving is a cognitive process of the brain that
searches or infers a solution for a given problem in the form of
a set of paths to reach a set of expected goals.
• Cognitive skills that a person acquires throughout one’s life
shape a personal background and allow interacting with other
people through the experience of communication to overcome
various barriers. Problem-solving is valuable attainment, and
cognitive psychology is the industry that studies this
phenomenon from the perspective of drivers and incentives to
make decisions in favor of specific actions or ideas

6. Types of problem solving
There are two types of problem solving:
Well-defined problem:
Well defined problem are defined as: have specific goals ,clearly
defined solution paths & clear expected solution.
Ill-defined problem :
An ill-defined problem are those that does not have specific goals
,clearly defined solution paths & clear expected solution.

7. Steps of problem solving
• A seven step involve in problem solving cycle:
• Identify the problem
• Explore the problem
• Set goals
• Look at alternative
• Select a possible solution
• Implement a possible solution
• Evaluation

9. Purpose of Problem Solving
• Train the students in the act of reasoning.
• Gain and improve the knowledge.
• Give actively answer.
• Overcome the obstacles in the attainment of objectives.
• Involved for the problem presented.

10. Skills for Problem Solving:
Some key problem-solving skills
include:
• Think creativity to discover
new ideas.
• Learn to work together and
share ideas.
• Research before you get in to
problems.
• Make the decision that fits the
situation best.

11. Roles of Scafolding [Teacher]& Student in
problem Solving
Roles of Teacher in problem Solving:
• To analyze the situation in the parts.
• Must be alert and active to arouse interest
among students.
• Teacher should help the learner if they are
facing any difficulties.
• It creates self-motivation for learning.
• Effective planning is essential for good
teaching.
• It focuses on selected information.
• It is based on democratic ideals.

12. Roles of Student in problem Solving:
• Students have an active role and teacher guides rather than direct instruction.
• Students may or may not have received formal instruction on the content.
• The students to define the problem clearly.
• They learn to look at challenges from a fresh perspective. Therefore, they take more
calculated risks.
• If students practice problem solving consistently, they can develop greater
situational and social awareness. Additionally, they learn to manage time and
develop patience.

13. Strategies of problem solving
The Trial and error method
The Algorithm operations method
The Heuristic operations method
The Insight

14. The Trial and error method
A Trial and error approach to problem solving involves trying a number
of different solutions and ruling out those that do not work.
This approach can be a good option if you have a very limited number
of options available.
The Algorithm operations method
An Algorithm is a step by step procedure that will always produce a
correct solution. While an Algorithm guarantees an accurate answer, it
is not always the best approach to problem solving.

15. The Heuristic operations method
A heuristic is a mental rule of thumb strategy that may or may not work in
certain situations. Unlike algorithms, heuristics do not always guarantee a
correct solution.
The Insight
In some cases , the solution to a problem can appear as a sudden insight.
According to researchers, insight can occur because you realize that the
problem is actually similar to something that you have dealt with in past.

16. Problem Space theory
The problem space theory is part of the social science category of
problem-solving strategies. The problem space theory uses the
approach of defining the problem to find the solution. A problem
space will not offer details of a solution but instead focus on steps and
goals involved in working through a problem.
In 1972, Allen Newell and Herbert
published the book Human Problem Solving, in which they outlined
their problem space theory of problem solving.
In this theory. People solve problems by
searching in a problem space.
The problem space consists of
1. The initial (current) state,
2. The goal state,
3. All possible states in between.

17. Problem Space theory
Example:An Egg Problem
When the facilitator only works within the boundary of the problem
domain, they will be looking for egg-type solutions. When a traumatic
experience is the issue, and it is worked on within its problem domain, the
issue may seem to be resolved and some healing will occur but soon the
next issue will arise.
It may be surprising that the resolution of the first issue hadn’t had more
of an effect on other issues in the person’s life. Egg solutions will only
solve egg problems. What is needed is a solution that encompasses all the
eggs.
This needs to come from outside the boundary, in other words and in a
metaphorical sense, a farming solution.

18. Gestalt Approach to problem Solving
Gestalt Psychology:
A theory of mind that emerged
from Germany in the early 19th
century.
Emphasize that whole of any
thing is greater that its parts.

19. Gestalt Approach to problem Solving
Proposed by a number of German Psychology in
1920,s and 30,s
“Gestalt theory emphasizes that the whole of anything is
greater than its parts.”
The Gestalt approach argues that a problem can be solved
by perceiving it in all its complexity and content. It requires
“understanding an insight into the structure of problem”.

20. Productive and Reproductive
Approach
Insightful problem-solving was considered by Gestalt
psychologists to be associated with productive, as opposed to
re-productive, thinking. Productive thinking is characterized
by shifts in perspective which allow the problem solver to
consider new, sometimes transformational, approaches. Re-
productive thinking, on the other hand, involves the
application of familiar, routine, procedures.
 Productive Thinking
Insight and creativity
 Reproductive Thinking
Re-use experiences

21. Reproductive and Productive Thinking
Productive Thinking:
it use abstract thoughts processing in the problem
solving . Relations between components of the problem that let to
inside into the problem solution.
Reproductive Thinking:
it use particular prior experiences in solving
problem. Thinking involve pre-use of previous experiences.

22. Candle problem (Duncker)
• The candle problem or candle task, also known as Duncker's candle problem, is
a cognitive performance test, measuring the influence of functional fixedness on
a participant's problem solving capabilities.
• The test was created by Gestalt
psychologist Karl Dunckerand
published posthumously in 1945.
• Duncker originally presented this test
in his thesis on problem-solving tasks
at Clark University.

23. Two String Problem (Maier)
The two-string problem (Maier, 1931)
was used in an analysis of the
contribution of experience in problem
solving. In the two string problem
subjects are shown two strings hanging
from the ceiling and are instructed to
tie the strings together.

24. Insight Problem solving in monkeys (Kohler)
• 90 years ago, Kohler coined insight learning, one of the first cognitive theories of
learning.
• These experiments with chimpanzees led
Kohler to the conclusion that they did not
solve the problem by means of behavioral
trial and error but rather by sudden
comprehension of the situation (“insight”)
and intelligent use of available tools.