Problem solving and critical thinking are closely connected fields of study. You have read about these topics this week. In your opinion how are these two fields similar and how are they different? Based on your reading and your own experience, share your thoughts here. Include:
3 ways problem solving and critical thinking are similar
2 ways they are different
1 way you used problem solving and critical thinking skills this past week.
Julia
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6 comments:
People use a higher level of critical thinking in order to solve problems. Critical thinking and problem solving both require your brain to think information through. And Usually both of these are used to find the answer to some desired question.
Critical thinking is not always revolved around thinking for an answer to a problem. And problem solving doesn't necessarily require critical thinking.
At work, the negative film processor was not functioning properly, and so I had to use critical thinking and problem solving to figure out when the problem began earlier in the week and try to resolve the issue.
~Jessica Ottley
3 Similarities:
1.)Both require analysis of the situation
2.)realization of the end result
3.)creation of question to help create a solution
2 Differences:
1.)Critical Thinking requires more high ordered thinking
2.)Problems only exist when there is ownership
1 usage in past week: had to come up with a way to walk my dogs by myself, while not falling or losing control of my scooter.
Both critical thinking and problem solving involve higher-order thinking. Both also involve analyzing situations and finally, both involve evaluating the information that is processed.
Critical thinking is different from problem solving in that critical thinking is more of an aware sense of processing information. Problem solving involves critical thinking and generally is used to find a solution to a problem.
I used problem solving this week at work when I had to resolve a conflict with a co-worker. I used critical thinking to figure out what kinds of communication would be effective in achieving the desired result of finding a resolution to the conflict.
Similarities:
You need to be able to practice effective judgment.
Making difficult decisions
Same goal of reaching/finding a conclusion or solution.
Differences:
Problem Solving is more hands on and utilizes outside resources and materials, while Critical Thinking is a mental process.
Problems do not exist in the abstract.
Usage:
I used critical thinking and problem solving when I was trying to decide what to bake for a get together.
Similarities:
1. You often use critical thinking to solve problems.
2. They involve exploring the situation at hand and trying to find a quick solution.
3. You need to think ahead to all the possible outcomes.
Differences:
1. All problems don't require critical thinking. Sometimes, there are different potential solutions, but the decision is more practical or emotional, i.e. to skip class to be with a sick friend.
2. Sometimes, the things you use critical thinking for aren't really problems in the traditional sense. I have to think critically about a lot of my reading for school for instance, but that's much more abstract.
Usage:
I take care of my little sisters and they had a lot of doctors' appointments this past week (one had a birthday recently), and I had to schedule all of that around my other commitments so that they both got done.
Solving a problem involves 1. Understanding the problem 2. Determining a plan of action 3. Thinking carefully about a plan of action 4. Carrying out the plan of action 5. Analyzing the results 6. Doing a reflective analysis
I feel almost every step of effectively solving a problem requires some critical thinking. Maybe thats why so many problems just don't get solved...people are not thinking critically enough. There is a lot of whining about problems but not enough analyzing and implementation of a plan.
The main difference to me is that critical thinking is also done in many subjects where there is no problem involved at all.
I've used problem solving & critical thinking skills most recently dealing with issues of uninspired volunteers, a difficult boss and juggling a super booked schedule with family needs.
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