Problem Solving
Perception influences problem solving activities. Thus, when perceptions are distorted or ill-structured the process of problem solving can become ineffective. Can the assurance of an un-skewed outcome be determined through problem solving questions?
Perception definitely influences problem solving activities. This can be difficult because not everything is perceived in the same way. Perception sometimes take individuals in the wrong direction which can be non-productive and at times dangerous.
Steven,
I have had similar experiences with individuals that are fixers in name only. They lack the skills needed to think critically and solve problems. They do just as you experienced and at the end of your conversation you still had a problem that needed to be solved. Listening is a powerful way to become a better problem solver. Thank you for sharing this experience as it reinforces what many of us have faced when trying to communicate with alleged problem solvers.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Some people solve problems by over-talking. This may be okay when you're in therapy, but it tends to be destructive in business. Ever call a company to relay an issue, and have the representative talk right over you or cut you off before you finish explaining the problem?
A few weeks ago, we had trouble with our credit card machine. When I called the company to explain what was happening, the representative cut me off, told me she knew exactly what the issue was, and proceeded to tell me how to solve a problem I was not having. The pinnacle of her resolution came when I tried to explain that she was addressing a different problem than the one I had, and she snippily said to me, "Let me finish."
From the minute she took my call, everything she said and did made it clear she was not truly interested in helping me. The open mouth fixer doesn't really want to solve anything—she just wants to prove how much she knows.
The assurance of an un-skewed outcome is not likely to occur no matter the amount of questions since the perception of the answer lies with each individual. Their perceptions may still be distorted no matter how many questions are asked. One can hope to achieve a better understanding through questioning, but the individual perception of the answer will remain a factor.
Khawar,
Yes it does and this is why it is good to make problem solving a part of the teaching learning process. The more students can using their thinking skills to acquire content them greater the retention of that content there is going to be.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Problem solving adds a different dimension to class room teaching. It should be an integral part of training as it enhances critical thinking and challenges some established concepts based upon emotions
Since both faculty and students may be influenced by factors outside the realm of the problem it is unlikely there would be any assurance of an un-skewed outcome outside a static environment where all parties participating were equally aligned.Problem solving activities withing a static vacuum would undoubtedly yield a less than optimum outcome as I see it.
