Personality Types & Problem-Solving Techniques

Personality Types & Problem-Solving Techniques

It is not enough to describe a problem-solving process and to describe how individuals
differ in their approach to or use of it. It is also necessary to identify specific techniques
of attending to individual differences. Fortunately, a variety of problem-solving
techniques has been identified to accommodate individual preferences. Some of these
techniques are oriented more to individuals who are more structured, more rational
and analytical, and more goal-oriented in their approach to problem-solving.

Other techniques are more suited to individuals who demonstrate a preference for an
approach that is more holistic and parallel, more emotional and intuitive, more creative,
more visual, and more tactual/kinesthetic. It is important that techniques from both
categories be selected and used in the problem-solving process. “

William G. Huitt (“Problem Solving and Decision Making: Consideration of Individual
differences - Using the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator”) lists out the following sixteen
problem-solving techniques, which focus more on logic and critical thinking,
especially within the context of applying the scientific approach:

a). Means-End Analysis: In means-ends analysis, the problem solver compares the
present situation with the goal, detects a difference between them, and then searches
memory for actions that are likely to reduce the difference.

b). Backwards Planning: The strategy of working backwards entails starting with
the end results and reversing the steps you need to get those results, in order to figure
out the answer to the problem.

c). Categorizing/Classifying: It is the process of grouping objects or events together
on the basis of a logical rationale. There are two kinds of categorizing, grouping and
classifying. Grouping is putting together objects on the basis of a single property. Files
might be grouped on the basis of “urgent” and “not-urgent”. Grouping is useful in
revealing similarities and differences that otherwise might go unnoticed. Classifying
involves putting items together on the basis of more than a single property at a time.

d). Challenging Assumptions: It involves the direct confrontation of ideas, opinions,
or attitudes that have previously been taken for granted. The purpose is to identify the
fallacies, consistencies and inconsistencies in the problem-solving process.

e). Evaluating/Judging: It involves the comparison with a standard and making a
qualitative or quantitative judgment of value or worth. Good evaluations of problem
solving are generally based on multiple sources of assessment information.

f). Inductive/Deductive Reasoning: Reasoning is the systematic and logical
development of rules or concepts from specific instances or the identification of cases
based on a general principle or proposition using generalization and inference.

g). Thinking Aloud: It is the process of verbalizing about a problem and its solution
while a partner listens in detail for errors in thinking or understanding.

h). Network Analysis: It is a systems approach to project planning and management
where relationships among activities, events, resources, and timelines are developed
and charted. Specific examples include Program Evaluation and Review Technique
and Critical Path Method.

i). Plus-Minus-Interesting (PMI): It involves considering the positive, negative, and
interesting or thought-provoking aspects of an idea or alternative using a balance sheet
grid where plus and minus refer to criteria identified in the second step of the problemsolving
process.

j) Task analysis: It is the consideration of skills and knowledge required to learn or
perform a specific task.