Methods of Problem-Solving
📘 8.5 Methods of Problem-Solving
🔍 What is a Problem-Solving Method?
A problem-solving method is a structured or unstructured cognitive strategy employed by individuals to overcome obstacles and reach desired goals. Different situations call for different approaches.
🧠 Common Methods of Problem Solving
1. Trial and Error
- Definition: Trying different solutions until one works.
- Use Case: Works best in simple or novel situations with few consequences.
- Example: A technician trying different wire configurations to fix a circuit.
- UPSC Governance Analogy: An IAS probationer experimenting with various public grievance redressal platforms until one is most effective in a district.
2. Algorithm
- Definition: A step-by-step procedure guaranteed to produce the correct solution.
- Use Case: Suitable for well-defined problems (like mathematical ones).
- Example: Calculating a tax refund using an official formula.
- UPSC Application: Use of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for disaster response or legal procedures for land acquisition.
3. Heuristics
- Definition: Mental shortcuts or “rules of thumb” to simplify decision-making.
- Use Case: Useful in complex or time-sensitive situations.
- Types:
- Means-End Analysis: Break the problem into smaller goals.
- Availability Heuristic: Judge based on easily recalled instances.
- Representativeness Heuristic: Judge based on similarity to a known category.
- Example: A collector prioritizing schemes that showed the highest return elsewhere (availability).
- Governance Example: Selecting successful model villages from other districts to replicate.
4. Insight
- Definition: Sudden realization of a solution without a step-by-step approach (“Aha! moment”).
- Use Case: Often occurs after a period of incubation.
- Example: A bureaucrat solving a corruption bottleneck by eliminating paper-based work.
- Famous Experiment: Köhler’s chimpanzees using sticks to get bananas.
5. Analogical Thinking
- Definition: Solving a problem by finding a similar structure in a different domain.
- Use Case: Promotes innovation.
- Example: Using the military chain of command to design an efficient disaster response network.
- Indian Example: Aadhaar-based DBT modeled after banking transaction structures.
6. Means-End Analysis
- Definition: Reducing the difference between current and desired state step by step.
- Use Case: Effective in complex planning tasks.
- Example: Planning UPSC prep—Identify final goal, break into GS, Optional, Essay, then further modules.
7. Brainstorming
- Definition: Generating multiple ideas without judgment.
- Use Case: Creative group problem solving.
- Example: Policy brainstorming sessions for rural health in NITI Aayog.
- Psychological Basis: Encourages divergent thinking.
8. Incubation
- Definition: Temporarily setting the problem aside, allowing the subconscious to work.
- Use Case: Useful when stuck or under pressure.
- Example: A writer stuck on a story idea finds the plot after a walk.
- Governance Analogy: Reframing old policy challenges with a fresh mindset after a break or consultation.
🚫 Comparing Methods: When They Go Wrong
| Method | Strength | Risk if misapplied |
|---|---|---|
| Trial & Error | Quick in low-risk tasks | Wastes time/resources in high-stakes cases |
| Algorithm | Accurate, replicable | Time-consuming, rigid |
| Heuristic | Fast decision-making | Bias-prone (e.g., stereotyping) |
| Insight | Innovative | Not always reliable or replicable |
📋 Application in Governance
| Scenario | Method Applied |
|---|---|
| Rural electrification | Algorithm (step-by-step implementation) |
| Tackling fake news | Heuristics + Brainstorming |
| Mission Karmayogi implementation | Means-End Analysis |
| COVID-19 vaccine logistics | Algorithm + Analogical Mapping (postal delivery models) |
✍️ UPSC Answer Strategy (10 or 15 markers)
- Define problem-solving and the idea of multiple methods.
- Use headings for each method with brief explanation + example.
- Add public administration/UPSC examples wherever possible.
- Highlight flexibility in choosing method based on situation.
- Conclude with the importance of training administrators in cognitive flexibility.
🧠 Summary Snapshot
PROBLEM-SOLVING METHODS
├── Trial & Error
├── Algorithm
├── Heuristic
├── Insight
├── Analogical Thinking
├── Means-End Analysis
├── Brainstorming
└── Incubation
