Problem Solving: Definition, Skills, & Strategies

By Justine Saavedra, M.S.
Reviewed by Tchiki Davis, M.A., Ph.D.

Learn to identify problems and generate effective solutions. Discover different problem-solving skills and tools.

Problem Solving: Definition, Skills, & Strategies

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Problems are an unavoidable part of everyday life. These inconvenient occurrences can cause conflict and obstacles that throw you off course. Whether big or small, these bumps in the road can catch you by surprise if you aren’t prepared. Developing better problem-solving abilities and learning how to approach problems from a different point of view can help you move through your life more easily.

Instead of becoming overwhelmed when issues inevitably arise, you can call upon the various problem-solving methods, skills, and models in this article to navigate the challenges more smoothly.

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What Is Problem Solving? (A Definition)

Problem-solving is exactly what it sounds like–it is the intentional planning and execution of practical solutions to issues that come up in your life. No matter how hard you try to avoid them, problems will always pop up. Maybe the road you need to use to get to work for a meeting is unexpectedly closed. Or maybe the grocery store is out of an important ingredient you need to make dinner. You have a decision in how you respond to these kinds of situations–you can let the problem frustrate you and throw you off your objective. Or you can mindfully respond to the problem, find a solution, and stride towards achieving your purpose.

Why Problem Solving Is Important

Problem-solving is an important skill to develop because life will always throw you curveballs. Being able to respond to these problems with flexibility and calmness will generate much better results than if you respond to the problem with resistance or avoidance. Also, research has shown that increasing problem-solving skills through problem-solving therapy is beneficial for several physical and mental ailments (Malouff et al., 2007).

Problem Solving Therapy is beneficial for the following:

Depression
Substance use disorder
Alcohol use disorder
Low back pain
Improving mood in children, adults, and elderly adults
Emotional distress due to cancer and divorce

Problem Solving vs Critical Thinking

Critical thinking happens when you thoroughly analyze an issue to better understand it. This process is a crucial part of problem-solving as being able to define the problem has been identified as one of the eight steps towards coming up with a solution (D'Zurilla & Goldfried, 1971). When you see a problem accurately, it is easier to come up with the appropriate response. Doing research, asking questions, and being open-minded are all ways to enhance your critical thinking skills.

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Problem Solving Theory (in Psychology)

In this theory, problems are defined as difficulties that cause a person to ask questions that enrich their knowledge (Dostál, 2015). There are four basic steps to problem-solving according to this theory.

1. Awareness of the problem
Sometimes people can be unaware of the problems around them or their problematic behavior. The first step towards solving a problem is recognizing that it is there.

2. Perception of the problem
The next step in resolving an issue is perceiving the problem in the right way–meaning you recognize the situation or behavior as a problem.

3. Willingness to deal with the problem
Next, you have to be willing to deal with the problem. Some people are able to perceive the problems in their life but a variety of factors may cause them to be unwilling to do anything to change.

4. Willingness to solve the problem
After you feel willing to deal with the problem, you also need to be willing to do what needs to be done to resolve the issue. Knowing what needs to be done and following through with those actions are two very different steps. The solutions you are looking for can be found by taking the action you know needs to be taken.

Video: The Psychology of Problem-Solving

Problem Solving Skills

There are several skills that you can employ to help solve a problem. Those skills are listed below with a short explanation of how they can be applied to problem-solving. If you struggle to respond to problems effectively, try developing these skills within yourself to create better outcomes.

Communication
If time allows, talking about your issue can help identify solutions you had not thought about or allow you to ask for help from someone with more experience. Communicating about your problems is a great way to get a different perspective.

Analysis
Thoroughly understanding a problem allows you to formulate the best solution. Try looking at the issue from a different perspective or gathering data to create the solution with the best possibility for success.

Judgment
Solving problems effectively requires good judgment. For example, sometimes the easiest solution in the short term is the worst solution in the long term. Judging which is more important–a quick short-term solution or a good long-term solution–is part of resolving the problem.

Creativity
Solutions to problems are as diverse as the problems themselves. Creating the right solution often requires creative thinking, especially if it is a problem you haven’t encountered before.

Decision-making
Identifying and executing the most appropriate solution is the final step in solving a problem. Taking action is the only way to create a solution. When you struggle to make decisions, this can impact your ability to solve problems.

Video: Figure It Out - The Art of Problem Solving

Problem-Solving Process & Steps

Research has identified seven steps in the problem-solving process, listed below (D'Zurilla & Goldfried, 1971).

Attempting to identify a problem when it occurs
Defining a problem
Attempting to understand the problem
Setting goals related to the problem
Generating alternative solutions
Evaluating and choosing the best alternatives
Implementing the chosen alternatives
Evaluating the efficacy of the effort at problem-solving

Examples of Problem Solving

Sometimes the easiest way to learn a concept is to see it in motion. Consider the following examples of everyday problems and different solutions that people employ. An important thing to remember is that there are usually numerous ways to solve a problem which is why two solutions have been provided for each situation. In real life, it often takes more than one try to come up with an effective solution, so keep trying until you find an approach that works for you.

Example Problem: Tanya is on her way to work for an important meeting when she gets a flat tire. She pulls off safely to the shoulder of the highway to assess her options. Her father taught her to change a flat tire a few years ago but she has never done it by herself.

Solution #1: Tanya decides to tackle the problem head-on and decides to change the tire by herself. She lets her work know she might be late, reads the owner’s manual, and successfully changes the tire on her own.
Solution #2: Tanya decides she doesn’t feel comfortable changing a tire on the busy highway. She lets her work know that she will miss the morning meeting and calls her brother to come and help her change the tire.

Example Problem: Yasmin has committed to a new workout routine that she is doing right when she wakes up in the morning. She has been consistent for two weeks when she gets sick with the flu and can’t go to the gym.

Solution #1: Yasmin decides to modify her workout to a 15-minute stretch on the days she is sick. This way she sticks to her commitment and allows her body to rest.
Solution #2: Yasmin decides she really doesn’t feel well enough to get out of bed. She takes care of her body by drinking plenty of water and resting. She resumes her routine as soon as she feels better and doesn't beat herself up about the lapse in routine.

Example Problem: Kai has prepared a digital presentation for a final in one of his college classes. The technology in the classroom is old and does not work consistently. When Kai tries to open his presentation, it is in the wrong format and won’t work.

Solution #1: Kai was prepared for this situation because he has seen how bad the technology in the classroom is. He hands out printed copies of his presentation to the professor and class.
Solution #2: Kai decides to do an oral presentation instead of using his digital materials. He uses notes he prepared to do the presentation without the aid of his slides.

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Problem Solving Strategies

A good way to effectively solve problems is to come up with a strategy that works for you. All of the following concepts are common ways that people approach problem-solving. Try each of the following tools the next time you encounter a problem in your life and see if any of them help you come up with a solution more quickly or easily than you would have without it.

Brainstorming
Rapidly coming up with ideas and letting your thoughts flow freely is a great way to come up with new, innovative solutions. Try brainstorming without judging the thoughts and ideas that come up. A fun way to brainstorm is to get a large piece of paper and write down your problem in the middle. Jot down possible solutions to the problem. Write them down no matter how outlandish they may seem at first. Sometimes the best solutions come from unexpected ideas.

Work Backward
This is a problem-solving strategy that I use often in my personal life. You envision the solution you would like to achieve and then figure out the steps you need to take to achieve that solution. There are often many ways to arrive at the same solution so this allows you to be flexible in your approach.

Break It Up
Sometimes solving a problem can feel too big or overwhelming. Breaking down the steps you need to take into bite-sized pieces can help the tasks feel more achievable. Break down the steps you need to take into smaller and smaller chunks until you see a clear path forward.

Video: Problem Solving Through Perspective Change

Problem Solving Methods

The two following methods can help you gain a better understanding of your issue which can inspire you to generate more creative solutions.

The Kipling Method
The Kipling Method focuses on asking six specific questions–what, where, when, how, why, and who. When you have a defined problem, apply the six questions listed to gain a better understanding of the problem and help you come up with more creative, effective solutions.

Flip-It
This method of problem-solving asks you to consider your problems from a different point of view. Look at an issue from the perspective of fear and write down how you feel. Then look at the same issue from the perspective of hope and write down how you feel about it. Note how changing your perspective can change your feelings about a problem and give you a new point of view to solve it.

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Problem-Solving Games & Activities

Learning to solve problems doesn’t have to be boring. Try the following games and activities either on your own or as a team-building activity for family, employees, or students.

Problem-solving activities:

Sudoku
Crossword puzzles
Escape rooms
Rubik’s cube

Problem-solving game: Marshmallow Spaghetti Tower
This game encourages problem-solving by trying to create the most effective solution through teamwork.

Materials needed:

20 dry spaghetti noodles
Roll of masking tape
Yard of string
1 marshmallow

Instructions:

Each team will need a set of materials listed above.
Instruct each team they have ten minutes to construct the tallest spaghetti tower capable of supporting a marshmallow on top using only the materials provided.
Once complete, stick a single marshmallow on top of the tower.
The team whose tower is the tallest and can support a marshmallow wins.

Video: How to Teach Kids Better Problem Solving

Articles Related to Problem Solving

Want to learn more? Check out these articles:

Books Related to Problem Solving

If you’d like to keep learning more, here are a few books that you might be interested in.

Final Thoughts on Problem Solving

Solving issues, concerns, or problems that come your way is an essential part of living a happy, productive life. Learning skills to improve problem-solving through problem-solving therapy has been shown to help a variety of physical and mental ailments including depression and emotional distress (Malouff et al., 2007). Other skills you can develop to increase your problem-solving abilities include creativity and analysis. Try employing different problem-solving methods and tools like the Kipling Method and working backward to approach your problems systematically. Increasing your ability to effectively solve your issues can help you more easily move through your life.

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References

Dostál, J. (2015). Theory of problem-solving. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 174, 2798–2805.
D'Zurilla, T. J., & Goldfried, M. R. (1971). Problem-solving and behavior modification. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 78(1), 107–126.
Malouff, J., Thorsteinsson, E., & Schutte, N. (2007). The efficacy of problem-solving therapy in reducing mental and physical health problems: A meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 27(1), 46–57.

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