Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- .This section is about problem solving. --- 1/24/2006
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- .This section is about the concept of a problem. --- 12/30/2003
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- (1) Do not think that it is not a problem. (2) Do not think it is someone else's problem, for someone else to solve. (3) Do not think the problem cannot be solved. Do not lose hope. (4) Do not think the problem is unimportant. Do not be side tracked or distracted. (5) Do not cease to care about the problem. Do not be apathetic. (6) Do not ignore the problem. Do not think you cannot do anything about the problem. --- 5/5/2005
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- (1) For totalizing absolutists, either everything is a problem or nothing is a problem. Or, for any issue, it is either a problem or it is not a problem. (2) For people who are not totalizing absolutists, some things are problems and other things are not problems. Or, for any issue, if you ask them if it is a problem, they will say, "Its a problem and its not a problem". --- 8/24/2004
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- (1) Given a situation with a variety of problems, should you attack the most important problems first, or the easiest solutions first? (2) Problem cost in time and money vs. solution cost in time and money. (3) Solution alternatives for problem. (4) Current known and unknown solutions. (5) Problem definition: any obstacle to obtaining a just and healthy goal, be the goal a need or merely a want. --- 9/30/1998
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- (1) Human created problems. Done by ourselves or others. Also known as mistakes. (A) Done by accident, unintentional. (B) Done on purpose, intentionally, but later seem to be wrong, by doer or others. (2) Natural created problems. --- 9/15/1998
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- (1) Practical problems and solutions. Here and now. (2) Theoretical problems and solutions. Hypothetical. In principle. (3) The best approach is a combination of the practical and theoretical problem solving. --- 2/27/2007
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- (1) Problem as an unknown. Problem as a question to be answered. That is, an epistemological problem. (2) Problem as something wrong that needs to be righted. That is, an ethical problem. --- 8/24/2004
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- (1) Scale of problem. Size of the problem. Local vs. global problems. Isolated vs. systemic problems. (2) Severity of problem. Degree of intensity of problem. (3) Scale multiplied by severity equals the total negative impact of the problem. --- 5/15/2004
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- (1) Some people think there are no problems, only solutions. Others look at everything as a problem (and risk a nervous breakdown). (2) Some think there are no mistakes. Others think everything is a mistake (perfectionists, idealists). Or they think that life is a series of mistakes from which we learn. (3) There is a danger of taking life too seriously, or taking life too lightly. Both extremes are bad. --- 2/21/2000
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- (1) Theoretical and practical problems. A problem can move from being one to the other. (2) Historical development of a problem. Birth, growth, peak, decline, death. (3) Qualitative descriptions and quantitative measurements of a problem. (4) Existence of a problem vs. recognition of a problem. (5) Problem theory and ethics. Person A thinks X is a problem. Person B thinks X is not a problem. Person C thinks X is actually good. (6) Common problems are frequent (enduring) and widespread (ubiquitous). (7) Rareness vs. commonness. Simplicity vs. complexity. Importance vs. trivialness. Example: common, simple, trivial problems vs. rare, complex, important problems. --- 07/08/1994
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- (1) Top down problem solving. Working from theory to practice. For example, from political theory and economic theory to practical political and economic problems. (2) Bottom up problem solving. Working from practical experience and practical problems to theoretical knowledge. (3) Sideways. Applying problem solving skills from one area to another. Cross training. --- 5/15/2005
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- (1) Two types of problems. (A) Problems of the world (social problems). (B) Personal problems. (C) Most people focus entirely on their own personal problems. (2)(A) Problems of the world: Environment. Health (physical and psychological). Education. Justice. Peace. (B) Typical personal problems: Getting a job. Paying the rent. Stay out of jail. Find a mate. Raise kids. How to be happy. How to not go nuts. How to deal with jerks. How to not be a jerk. House. Car. --- 11/1/2000
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- (1)(A) Find the known problem. (B) Find the known solutions. (C) Find new solutions. (2)(A) find new unknown problems. (B) Find new solutions. (3) Always pick most important problems to work on. --- 05/30/1993
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- 26 Subject areas: list, analyze, evaluate all potential problems, and all potential solutions. --- 12/30/1992
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- A big problem. (1) If we focus on bad things in life, like our mistakes and failures, we get depressed. (2) But if we ignore the problems in life (bad things) we are being avoidant, escapist and Pollyannas. (3) Solution: Focus on finding solutions to problems. Focus on past, present and future solutions. If you can not solve the problem at least you can say you tried. --- 02/28/1998
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Any time you improve the world you are solving a problem. --- 4/10/2005
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Attitudes and problems. (1) If we all work hard we can conquer problems. If we laze around then we will slide into decay. (2)(A) If we bash it, it will die vs. (B) it can take laziness and abuse vs. (C) even effort won't save us from doom. --- 12/30/1992
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Attitudes, problems and challenges, and me. Is the problem or challenge insurmountable or conquerable? What is the effort in resources required for each solution strategy? What are the chances of succeeding, if luck is involved? What are the gain and losses involved in getting or not getting success? --- 12/30/1992
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Coming up with a better way, progress, improvement, is problem solving. --- 2/12/2004
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Communicating the problem and the solution to both the power holders and the masses. --- 5/16/2005
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Confrontation and working on problems vs. avoidance and escapism. --- 12/30/1992
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Currently, The biggest problems in the world are in other countries. If you want to help, then look abroad. Don't quibble at home. --- 1/20/1999
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Definitions. Problems cause pain. Everything is a problem. Life is pain and happiness is an illusion. Problems as challenges and opportunity. Problems as trouble. --- 12/30/1992
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Economics of problems. Which is costlier, the problem or the solution? --- 12/30/1992
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Every area of life has its problems. Every subject area has its problems. --- 8/24/2004
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Every subject has its current great unanswered questions. And every subject area has some great problems that have already been solved (ex. Many of the problems have been solved from Hilbert's list of twenty great problems in mathematics). --- 8/24/2004
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Go find the problems. Go see the problems. Search out the problems. Look for trouble. --- 10/25/2004
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- How are things changing, for good and bad? How should things be? How can I promote the good, and hinder the bad? What are the most important problems today? Which problems are most open or ripe for solution? --- 01/06/1997
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- How big is the problem? Total costs: psychological, physical, economic; direct vs. indirect; short term vs. long term; opportunities lost. --- 12/30/1992
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- How long it takes you to anticipate or figure out your problems and their causes and solutions, in a situation, and how well. Soon enough? Well enough? --- 12/30/1992
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- How much can computers do for us? How much can text do for us? How much can thinking do for us? How much else remains to be done? How else can we accomplish it? Problem solving in thought and action. --- 4/1/2005
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Human society is faced with multiple problems, for example, health problems, education problems, political problems, economic problems, technological problems, etc. Each problem has multiple causes and multiple effects. The problems are inter-twined, in that the causes and effects of all the problems affect each other. We require multiple solutions for each problem. --- 4/29/2007
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Identify a number of problems. Explain why it is a problem. Work toward solving a number of problems by using a variety of methods. Solve can mean prevent, manage or cure. --- 2/3/2004
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- If its a question, is it a problem? Are all problems questions? Are all questions problems? --- 7/23/2006
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Ignoring your problems vs. preparing for problems. --- 12/30/1992
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Instead of saying everything is a problem or a mistake, say that the world is good and you are trying to improve and make it better. This is a more positive, less stressful viewpoint. --- 1/11/2003
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- It is tough to see one's own problems. --- 12/26/1997
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- List problems in my life, country, and world. Crime, drugs, environmental pollution, illiteracy (uneducated), crass mindless materialism (values), human rights abuses. Describe and measure these problems. Causes and solutions. --- 02/07/1994
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- List problems in the world today. Injustice. State sponsored injustice. Crime: illegal and unethical acts. Acts that are legal yet unethical nonetheless. Complacent, self-satisfied, selfish smugness. Hopelessness, despair and helplessness. Power abusers, oppression and exploitation. Hate, violence and intolerance. --- 1/7/2004
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- List world problems. U.S. and World problems and challenges, alternatives and arguments. (1) Psychological: psychological problems due to poor child raising. (2) Ecological: overpopulation, hunger, pollution. (3) Economic: inflation, unemployment, poverty. (4) Sociological: child raising, the sick (physical and psychological), the old, crime, drugs. (5) Philosophical: Not enough philosophizing. Poor values. Too much believing, not enough thinking. --- 11/30/1996
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Major problems of the 20th century. (1) Human rights issues. (2) Genocide. Hitler: 6 million. Stalin: 10 million. Pol Pot: 1 million. Rwanda: 500,000. (3) Environment: Chernobyl nuclear accident. Bhopal poison gas accident. Gulf War oil spill. Exxon Valdes oil spill. Miyamata mercury spill in Japan. (4) Wars: WWI dead and injured. WWI dead and injured. --- 5/21/1999
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Many problems cross categories or subject areas. Their causes and solutions are of many types: psychological, sociological, technological, political, and economic. Problem theory differs from interdisciplinary philosophy in that it focuses on problems. In problem theory we must take an ethical stance and say "this phenomena is a problem". (Note, it is tough to categorize problems, so put them in keyword "Psychology, thinking, problem solving. specific problems"). --- 12/26/1997
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Metaphors for problems. People describe problems as either ruts and holes or as bumps or walls. Problems are often metaphorically described as physical obstacles of various types. --- 12/15/2004
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- More problem related phenomena. (1) Trade-offs of a solution. Frequently a solution will involve trade-offs. (2) Clues. Problem solving often proceeds from gathering and organizing clues. A clue is like a piece of a puzzle. (3) The path toward a solution, often found by eliminating wrong ways. --- 8/24/2004
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Once you get people physically healthy, and not poverty stricken, and having political rights, the big goal is to get their heads screwed on tighter, so they do not waste their lives, so they enjoy life more, so they are more productive, so they don't hurt themselves or others. How to do this? --- 02/28/1998
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Overcoming problems vs. being overcome by problems. --- 12/30/1992
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- PART ONE. Problems. (1) How am I going to solve these problems? Work on these problems. Describe them. Say why its wrong. Figure out solutions. PART TWO. Solutions. (1) Raise consciousness. Increase awareness about the problem. Write about it. Speak about it. Reach the masses. Reach the politicians and other power holders. Publish newspaper or website. (2) Raise money. (3) Oppose those who support policies that contribute to the problem. --- 3/1/2006
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- PART ONE. Problems. (1) Which are biggest problems? Which are most widespread problems. (2) Which are most severe problems? Which are deadliest problem? (3) Which are fastest growing problems? PART TWO. (1) Which is most effective solution? How much does it cost? (2) Which is an inexpensive solution that anyone can do? --- 3/1/2006
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- People forget important facts about themselves and situations. This leads to bigger problems. --- 12/30/1992
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- People have different views of what situations qualify as a problem. Therefore, when you state a problem you should state why you think its a problem. --- 8/24/2004
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- People who don't see the real problems (blind). People who see false problems or pseudo-problems (hallucinating). --- 12/30/1992
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Problem solving methodologies. (1) "All eggs in one basket" method. Pick one problem. Think of one solution. Think of one strategy to achieve that solution. Devote your entire life to it. Pros: works well if you guessed right. Cons: a big waste if you guessed wrong. (2) "Scattershot" method. Pick many problems. Think of many solutions. Think of many strategies to achieve those solutions. Pros: works well by covering all bases. Cons: you may spread yourself too thin. --- 2/28/2004
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Problem solving. (1) Think creatively about the problem. Then think critically about the problem. Figure out. (2) Research the problem on the Internet. Find out. (3) Write it out. (4) Persistence is good. (5) Try many solutions systematically. --- 7/25/2006
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Problem solving. One type of problem we are often faced with is one where we are given some, but not all, of the facts, and some, but not all, of the logical inferences, and we have to fill in the puzzle. --- 4/12/2000
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Problem solving. Two approaches to problem solving. (1) This is the problem I want to solve. Inventing the tools to solve the problems that I want to solve. (2) These are the tools I have. What problems can I solve with these tools? (A) Take advantage of the newest tools. (B) Transfer tools across disciplines. --- 7/22/2002
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Problem theory is really a part of the study of problem solving, which is part of psychology. --- 8/24/2004
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Problem theory. (1) Every moment and situation is a problem or challenge. (2) Causing problems vs. solving problems. (3) Something is good if it solves problems without causing problems. (4) A problem exists when you are not solving problems or creating more problems. --- 12/30/1992
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Problem Theory. What is a problem? Why do we have problems? Why study problems? How to solve problems? --- 12/30/1992
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Problems as questions. Problems as challenges. --- 2/28/2004
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Problems classified by category, and solutions classified by category. For example, you can have a technological solution to a political problem or you can have a political solution to a technological problem. --- 5/16/2005
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Problems with problems. Doing nothing, or doing wrong thing. Leaving something out (partial). Destroying something you need. --- 12/30/1992
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Process of problems. Anticipate your problems. Predict your problems. Prevent your problems. --- 12/30/1992
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Process of problems. Causes or etiology. (1) You causing your own problems. (2) Society causing your problems. (3) Nature causing your problems. --- 12/30/1992
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Process of problems. Effects, course, prognosis, or mechanism. --- 12/30/1992
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Process of problems. Epidemiology, frequencies, or rates. --- 12/30/1992
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Process of problems. Recognize problem exists. Identify your problems. Define problems. Analyze problems. Prioritize your problems. --- 12/30/1992
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Process of problems. Solution types, solution alternatives. (1) Perfect solutions vs. imperfect. (2) Acceptable solutions vs. unacceptable. (3) Direct solutions vs. indirect solutions. (4) Strengths vs. weaknesses of any solution. (5) Partial solutions vs. total solution. (6) Easy solution vs. difficult solution. (7) Quick solution vs. long, dragged out solution. (8) Current solution vs. old, out-dated solution. (9) Best solution vs. worst solution. (10) Solutions by self vs. solutions by others. (11) Effective solution vs. ineffective solution. (12) Easy solution or difficult solution. Difficult to think of, or difficult to enact. (13) Side effects. --- 12/30/1992
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Process of problems. Symptoms, signs. --- 12/30/1992
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Process of problems. Therapies, solutions, cures, or problem solving. Problem solving methods, techniques, tools, or steps. --- 12/30/1992
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Recognition of a problem. Being able to state why something is a problem. --- 4/10/2005
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Recognition of problem. Recognition of importance of problem, how important it is, and why it is important. --- 12/30/1992
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Related subjects, effects of and on. (1) Epistemology: identifying and proving existence of problems. (2) Ethics: choosing problems to deal with. (3) History: the history of your problems. --- 12/30/1992
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Related subjects. Situation theory or system theory: problems of a situation or system. --- 12/30/1992
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Solution alternatives can be logically mapped. --- 12/30/1992
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Solution criteria. (1) Health approach: do whatever is healthiest. (2) Money approach: do whatever is cheapest. (3) Aesthetic approach: do whatever is most beautiful or appealing. --- 7/31/2006
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Solutions in theory or on paper. Solutions in action or in practice. --- 8/24/2004
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Solutions to problems. (1) Partial solutions improve the situation. (2) Temporary solutions provide stop gaps. (3) Practical solutions can compromise. (4) Managing the problem vs. curing the problem totally. --- 5/15/2004
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Solutions to problems. Finding the "optimal solution" means, for problems that have multiple solutions, finding the best solution. Some problems have multiple solutions, but one solution is better than the others. --- 8/24/2004
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Solutions, types of. (1) Economic solution: cheaper, faster, better. Save money. Least expensive solution. Most "cost effective" solution. (2) Political solution: find a compromise solution; make a deal. (3) Law solution: make it a law. Make it legal. Make it illegal. Make it required by law. Make it a legal right. (4) Technological solution: find a better method. Use less resources; get more output. Find the best solution given a set of materials. Find the best solution "as soon as possible" (time constraint). Find the best solution that is the highest quality; or the easiest to use; or the easiest to maintain; or the longest lasting. (5) Socio-psychological solution: Convince people to change their minds on an issue. Convince people to see one solution as better than another solution. Convince people to see the situation as not a problem in the first place. Convince people to see the problem as a minor problem, rather than a major problem. (6) Mathematical solution: a mathematical proof. (7) Logical solution: a logical argument. (7) Scientific solution: do an experiment to find an solution. (8) Environmental solution: develop a sustainable solution. (9) Literary solution: write a memoir. (10) Temporary solution: patch it. (11) "Good enough" solution: "It'll do.". Satisfice. --- 8/24/2004
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Solutions. (1) Solving in theory. (2) Solving in practice. --- 4/16/2004
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Solutions. (1) Solving problems in theory and in practice. (2) Working toward solving problems in thought, word and action. (3) Opposition to problem solving. Inertia. People's habits. Active opposition by those who risk losing power, money and status when things change and progress is made. --- 2/12/2004
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Solutions. (1) Technological solutions. (2) Socio-political solutions. Getting past resistance, inertia, opposition, etc. --- 4/16/2004
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Solutions. (1) Types of solutions. (A) Technological solutions. (B) Attitude solutions. (2) Costs of the solution. Economic cost of problem solving. (3) Political implications or effects of a solution. --- 8/24/2004
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Solutions. Be able to state the solution criteria. Be able to state what would qualify as a solution. --- 5/16/2005
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Solutions. How best to help others solve their own problems? (1) Do not criticize or tear them down. (2) Do not preach or lecture at them, rather give them enough hints so they think they figured it out themselves. (3) You can give them your notes. (4) You can tell them the best books you know about x problem. You can buy them the book. (5) Do not waste time and words when you talk to them. Say "How can I help you and how can you help me?" --- 12/26/1997
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Solutions. Single step solutions vs. multi-step solutions. Working out a multi-step solution is always harder because it is not always clear after each step if you are headed toward the solution. --- 08/01/1997
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Some important questions. (1) What scale or level will I think at: personal, community, nation, world, universe? I will think at the world level. I may even think at the universe level. (2) What are the important subjects? The important subjects are the problems that prevent the masses from happiness, truth and justice. The problems that give people the most trouble. Also, problems that we already have solutions too. And also problems that are ready to be solved. Also, problems that can occur, may occur, and will occur. (3) What are the important questions? The important questions are: How can I help? What causes these problems? What cures these problems? --- 6/29/2004
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Some problems are puzzles (fitting pieces). In most manmade puzzles the pieces are of the same type (cardboard, flat). In real life puzzles different pieces fit together from different subject areas. --- 06/30/1993
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Terms defined. Problem chains. Problem webs. Problem systems. Problem complexes. --- 12/30/1992
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- The big problems sheet. Perspectives x subject areas. --- 12/30/1992
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Think about your problems, and work on your problems, but don't let your problems weigh so heavily on your mind that they incapacitate you. That is not healthy, and that is not productive. --- 05/08/1989
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Time and problems. Past problems, present problems, and future problems. History of a problem. Problem change. --- 12/30/1992
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- To call something a problem is to make an ethical evaluation about that thing. --- 7/31/2006
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- To say that something is a problem is to infer a conception of an ideal. People differ on what exactly constitutes a problem state because people differ on what exactly constitutes the ideal state. --- 11/1/2000
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Two meta-problems. (1) Deciding what qualifies as a problem. (2) Deciding what qualifies as a solution. --- 10/23/2004
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Two polar ways of looking at things. Everything is a problem, or nothing is a problem. People who view problems as challenges prefer the former. People who views problems as stressful prefer the latter. --- 8/24/2004
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Types of problems people are faced with: Physical, psychological, financial, social, spiritual(?). (1) Do they realize the presence and importance of the problem or not? If not, is the problem solved by accident? (2) Is the problem ignored or confronted? If ignored, do they pay the price, or luck out? (3) Is the problem attacked in thought and action effort? If so, do they fail or succeed? --- 12/30/1996
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Types of problems. (1) Actual present problems versus potential problems that could occur if you let them. (2) Problems for which we have solutions versus problems for which we do not have solutions. --- 6/8/2005
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Types of problems. (1) Acute vs. chronic problems. (2) One time vs. recurring problems. --- 6/4/2004
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Types of problems. (1) Dilemmas. For example, ethical dilemmas. Dilemmas require decision making. (2) Puzzles. For example, epistemological puzzles. Puzzles require problem solving. --- 8/24/2004
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Types of problems. (1) Ethical problems: what do? (2) Epistemological problems: how know? --- 2/28/2004
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Types of problems. (1) Old problems we've seen before. Old problems with new names and faces. (2) New problems we've never seen before. --- 8/14/2004
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Types of problems. (1) Personal problems. (2) Global problems. --- 1/19/2004
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Types of problems. (1) Practical problems. Examples: Finding a place to live. Finding a meaningful job. Finding a significant other. Finding a meaningful use of one's leisure time. (2) Theoretical problems. Problems whose solution has no immediate, direct bearing on one's life. --- 1/19/2004
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Types of problems. (1) Problems in your life vs. problems in the wide world. (2) Big problems and small problems. What makes a problem big? How many people it affects. How much it affects each person. (3) Theoretical problems vs. practical problems. --- 1/7/2004
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Types of problems. (1) Problems of individual persons. (2) Problems of society. --- 4/29/2007
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Types of problems. (1) Problems, challenges. (2) Practical problems vs. impractical problems. (3) Totally solvable problems to totally unsolvable problems. (4) Problems of choice: Decision making. (5) Problems of past, present, and future. (6) General to specific problems. (7) Major, important, significant vs. minor, unimportant, insignificant problems. (8) Complex vs. simple problems. (9) Problems you can handle vs. can't handle. (10) New vs. old problems. (11) Problems can do something about vs. can't do anything about. (12) Common vs. rare problems. (13) Expected vs. unexpected problems. (14) Avoidable vs. unavoidable problems. (15) Obvious vs. inobvious problems. (16) Acute vs. chronic problems. (17) Problems you are aware of vs. unaware of. (18) Nasty vs. mild problems (disruption they cause). (19) Problems you can put up with vs. can't. (20) Problems that cure themselves vs. don't. (21) Reoccurring vs. solved once forever vs. never ending, constant problems. (22) Urgent vs. not urgent problems. --- 12/30/1992
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Types of problems. (1) Real, actual problems. Currently exist here now for you. Currently exist on earth. (2) Intellectual, theoretical problems. Exist only as ideas (ex. math). (3) Hypothetical problems. Could occur, could exist. (4) Possible problems, and probable problems. --- 12/30/1992
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Types of problems. (1) Simple problem has one cause, one effect, and a one-step solution. (2) Complex problem has many causes, many effects, and a multi-step solution. --- 8/20/2004
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Types of problems. (1) Sub-problems and super-problems. (2) Problems by subject and by perspective. --- 12/30/1992
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Types of problems. Problems by perspective. (1) Problems of Nature. Environmental problems, pollution, natural disasters, fires. (2) Problems of Society. (A) Social: racism, sexism, ageism; religious and ethnic; wars, crime. (B) Technological: pollution. (C) Health: diseases. (3) Problems of individual. Psychological, physical, economic/financial. --- 12/30/1992
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Types of problems. Problems by subject. (1) Psychological problems. Depression, laziness, hopelessness, ignorance, despair, meaninglessness, disappointment, frustration, confusion. (2) Economic problems: poverty, unemployment, inflation. (3) Sociology: racism, crime. (4) Politics: anarchy, fascism, slavery. (5) Ecological problems. --- 12/30/1992
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Types of problems. Problems you can only figure out in one way (one right way). Problems with only one solution vs. many solutions. --- 12/30/1992
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- We allocate resources to solve problems. Many important problems are well funded and well manned. However, some important problems are underfunded and undermanned, and thus deserve to have more resources allocated to them. Find out which important problems are underfunded and undermanned, and then work on those problems. --- 10/23/2004
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- What are the problems (or challenges) in this world? Hate, violence, war, crime, illness, famine, ignorance, illiteracy, lack of education, intolerance, injustice, inequality, oppression, exploitation, abuse and neglect. --- 12/26/2003
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- Where is the problem? (1) If you cannot generate any questions about a topic then you will not see any problems. (2) If you cannot generate more than one answer to a question then you will not see any problem. That is, if you cannot come up with alternative views about a topic then you will not see any problems. (3) People who do not ask questions and who cannot tolerate alternative views do not see problems and thus are not problem solvers. (4) If you cannot imagine anything better then you will not see a problem. People who lack imagination do not see problems and thus are not problem solvers. --- 9/1/2005
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- World. One of the big problems in the world is that people do not think about, and work on, the big problems of the world. They think of the small problems of their lives 75% of the time. They think of leisure, fun and sex the rest of the time. To change this situation, we need not just literacy and education, but a change in values towards exploring and problem solving. --- 08/17/1997
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- You can make a list of problems in this world but the big problem is that many people simply stop thinking. People have stopped thinking about what are the big problems. People have stopped thinking about problem solving. Why have people stopped thinking? People have stopped thinking because thinking is not popular. People have stopped thinking because they were told by advertisers to stop thinking. People have stopped thinking because they decided they would not do anything unless someone paid them to do so. People became pros. People have stopped thinking because thinking takes effort and people would rather resort to the lazy apathy of blind belief and dogmatism. People have stopped thinking because they believe someone else will think for them, and that is because they believe we are all specialists now. --- 5/20/2004
Psychology, thinking, problem solving. --- You can work on a problem a long time before a solution, or even a solution method, hits you. Keep trying. --- 08/17/1997