Definition

1. Noun:
   • The cognitive process of finding solutions to difficult or complex issues: "Problem solving" refers to the mental activities and strategies used to overcome obstacles and achieve goals when faced with challenges.
   • A field of study within cognitive psychology: "Problem solving" also denotes the academic discipline that investigates how people identify, analyze, and resolve problems.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Effective problem solving is a critical skill for engineers. (The ability to find solutions is essential for engineers.)
  • The workshop focuses on creative problem solving. (The workshop concentrates on innovative methods for finding solutions.)
  • Her research is in the area of problem solving. (Her academic work is within the field that studies solution-finding processes.)

Advanced Usage

• "Heuristic problem solving": using practical, experience-based methods to find solutions, which may not be perfect but are sufficient for reaching an immediate goal.
  • In emergencies, people often rely on heuristic problem solving.
• "Collaborative problem solving": the process of working with others to find a solution.
  • The project's success was due to excellent collaborative problem solving.

Variants and Related Words

• Problem-solver (n): A person who is skilled at finding solutions to problems.
  • She is known as an excellent problem-solver on the team.
• Problem (n): A matter or situation regarded as unwelcome or harmful and needing to be dealt with and overcome. This is the core element that "solving" acts upon.

Synonyms

• Troubleshooting: The process of identifying and resolving problems, especially in technical contexts.
• Solution-finding: The act of discovering answers or resolutions.

Related Phrases

• Problem-solving skills: The specific abilities used in the process of finding solutions.
  • The job description requires strong problem-solving skills.
• Problem-solving approach: A particular method or strategy for tackling challenges.
  • We need to adopt a different problem-solving approach.

Related Idioms

• "To think outside the box": To think creatively, without being limited by conventional ideas, which is a key aspect of innovative problem solving.
  • Solving this puzzle requires you to think outside the box.

Noun

1. the thought processes involved in solving a problem
2. the area of cognitive psychology that studies the processes involved in solving problems