Evaluating Beliefs
Step 1: Write a discussion post where you answer the following questions using terms and concepts from the Module 2 readings and lecture. Describe in detail an important problem that you recently solved. How did you go about solving the problem? What strategies or approaches did you use to better understand the problem? How did you come to a decision? Analyze the thinking process that you used with the five-step problem-solving method discussed in this weeks material (p. 112). How did your actions line up with this problem-solving method? What are the similarities and differences? Chapter 3 Solving Problems Before applying a method like the one just outlined above to your problem, however, you first need to prepare yourself by accepting the problem. ACCePTIng The Problem To solve a problem, you must first be willing to accept the problem by acknowledg- ing that the problem exists, identifying the problem, and committing yourself to trying to solve it. Successful problem solvers are highly motivated and willing to persevere through the many challenges and frustrations of the problem-solving process. How do you find the motivation and commitment that prepare you to enter the problem-solving process? There are no simple answers, but a number of strategies may be useful to you: 1. List the benefits. Make a detailed list of the benefits you will derive from successfully dealing with the problem. Such a process helps you clarify why you might want to tackle the problem, motivates you to get started, and serves as a source of encouragement when you encounter difficulties or lose momentum. 2. Formalize your acceptance. When you formalize your acceptance of a problem, you are going on record, either by preparing a signed declaration Copyright 201? Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part. Due to electronic rights, some third party content may be suppressed from the eBook and/or eChapter(s). Editorial review has deemed that any suppressed content does not materially affect the overall learning experience. Cengage Learning reserves the right to remove additional content at any time if subsequent rights restrictions require it. Problem-Solving Method (Advanced) Step 1: What is the problem? a. What do I know about the situation? b. What results am I aiming for in this situation? c. How can I define the problem? Step 2: What are the alternatives? a. What are the boundaries of the problem situation? b. What alternatives are possible within these boundaries? Step 3: What are the advantages and/or disadvantages of each alternative? a. What are the advantages of each alternative? b. What are the disadvantages of each alternative? c. What additional information do I need to evaluate each alternative? Step 4: What is the solution? a. Which alternative(s) will I pursue? b. What steps can I take to act on the alternative(s) chosen? Step 5: How well is the solution working? a. What is my evaluation? b. What adjustments are necessary? *Be sure to cite any outside sources in APA
