Monday, December 17, 2007

Discussion Questions – week 5

1) What roles do various critical thinking components play in defining a problem?

“Problem solving is applying critical thinking to achieve the goals and personal harmony that are important in our personal and professional lives. Some of these problems can be solved primarily through thinking and some through thinking ending in action”(UOP, 2007). Chapter 12 “Problem solving tells us an individual can not solve a problem unless they know what the problem is. “Defining the problem carefully means being as precise and as specific as possible” (UOP, 2007). Clearly defined problems can allow and accurate solution to be implemented. Incomplete details can cause or lead to confusion. For example, “My car doesn’t start, or better, My car doesn’t start in the morning,” or better yet, My car doesn’t start on wet mornings… more specific definition enables us to identify the possible causes of the malfunctioning, and it shortens our path
to the solution of the problem.” (UOP, 2007)

“Problems concerning human relations are often intricate and difficult to define” (UOP, 2007). Critical thinking in action will guide an individual to carefully analyze the situation and potential resolutions. There should ne on rush to make a conclusion. Finally, “The components of any problem are the persons and objects involved in the problem, as well as the problem goal itself” (UOP, 2007), If a problem is not accurately defined then no acceptable solution can be found.


References
University of Phoenix PHL 251 week five reading chapter 12



2) What are some critical thinking tools and techniques?

“Problem solving is applying critical thinking to achieve the goals and personal harmony that are important in our personal and professional lives. Some of these problems can be solved primarily through thinking and some through thinking ending in action” (UOP, 2007).

Problems are attacked in five steps:
1. Define the problem;
2. Remove barriers
3. Information gathering
4. Brainstorming
5. Creative thinking (UOP, 2007)

The UOP reading teach us that solutions are found through preliminary evaluation, trial and error, evaluating pros and cons. Additional techniques are working backwards, through the problem and implementing practical problem-solving tips; and monitor selected resolutions.

“Thinking creatively we must strive to transcend our usual ways of seeing.
We should not limit ourselves to seeing what we are supposed to see or thinking about things as we were taught to think about them. We must learn to see and think without assumptions, stereotypes, or expectations” (UOP, 2007).

Finally creative thinking provided problem-solving tips:
Change deadlines,
Compromise
Check the facts
Empathize,
Take time to think
Anticipate problems
See the problem as a challenge then implement and monitor the solution.

Critical Thinking tools teach us to, “see things not for what they are or for what they were meant to be, but for what we can imagine them to be” (UOP, 2007).


References
University of Phoenix PHL 251 week five reading chapter 12

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