The methodologies of
problem solving:
Of
all the questions that are asked during the creative process the one
that is dependent on the ability to solve problems is how.
Only when the practical question of how
is answered can our creative ideas become a reality. The Methodology
most suited for this, and most other problem solving, is the
scientific methodology1.
Strictly speaking this is an iterative process in which the problem
is stated, research is performed, a hypotheses is formulate and
tested, and as a consequence either confirmed or reformulated.
Although we are not engaged in scientific investigation this approach
to problem solving is ingrained in western analytical thinking, and
is implicit in most of the formal problem solving we do. A more
familiar problem solving methodology, and arguably more natural is
brain-storming2.
This is usually a group activity in which a large number of
solutions and ideas are suggested and are combined and developed
until an optimum is found. However, brainstorming has a number of
short coming derived from the group dynamics that are often
involved3.
One of the most interesting problem solving methodologies comes for
the world of literature and is attributed to the master detective:
Mr Sherlock Holmes. His approach is a variant of the scientific
methodology in which he advocates thinking, backwards, with an empty
mind while talking things through with a friend4
- a process likely to be familiar to most artists … oh, no, sorry,
that's called a tutorial or work-in-progress seminar!
1
http://teacher.nsrl.rochester.edu:8080/phy_labs/AppendixE/AppendixE.html
2
http://www.mindtools.com/brainstm.html
3
Stroebe, W.; Diehl, M. & Abakoumkin, G. (1992). "The
illusion of group effectivity". Personality and
Social Psychology Bulletin 18
(5): 643–650.
4
Reasoning Backwards: Sherlock Holmes' Guide to Effective Problem
Solving Young Associates Inc (1 Mar 2011)
No comments:
Post a Comment