ISD Knowledge Base / Research Inquiry & Evaluation

1

DEFINE A PROBLEM

Questions to appraise problem solving:

Has enough information been gathered so that the situation/scenario is clearly understood?          

Have goals and criteria for the situation been determined?

Characteristics of the criteria:

Recognize the problem exists.

Determine which facts are known in a problem situation and which are uncertain.

Summarize the problem to facilitate comprehension and communication of the problem.

Identify different points of view inherent in the representation of the problem.

Identify the physical and organizational environment of the problem.

Describe the values which have a bearing on the problem.

Identify time constraints associated with solving the problem.

Identify personal biases inherent in any representation of the problem.

Determine if they have the background information to solve the problem.

Apply general principles and strategies which can be used in the solution of other problems.

Use visual imagery to help memorize and recall information.

Identify what additional information is required and where it can be obtained.

Use systematic logic to accomplish their goals.

Evaluate arguments and evidence so that competing alternatives can be assessed for their relative strengths.

Organize related information into clusters.

Recognize patterns or relationships in large amounts of information.

Use analogies and metaphors to explain a problem.

Use clear, concise communication to describe a problem.

2

GENERATE SOLUTIONS TO THE PROBLEM

Questions to appraise problem solving:

Have a number of ideas for solving the problem been generated?                                                     

Have the ideas been refined into alternative solutions to the problem?

Characteristics of the criteria:

Think creative ideas.

List several methods which might be used to achieve the goal of the problem.

Be flexible and original when using experiences to generate possible solutions.

Use brainstorming to help generate solutions.

Divide problems into manageable components.

Isolate one variable at a time to determine if that variable is the cause of the problem.

Develop criteria which will measure success of solutions.

Determine if cost of considering additional alternatives is greater than the likely benefit.

Measure progress toward a solution.

3

DEFINE GOALS AND ESTABLISH CRITERIA TO EVALUATE THE AVAILABLE ALTERNATIVES

Questions to appraise problem solving:

Have evaluation criteria based on the goals been selected?                                                               

Have the various alternative solutions been evaluated using these criteria?

Characteristics of the criteria:

Identifying and Evaluating Constraints

List the factors which might limit problem solving efforts.

Question credibility of one's own assumptions.

Recognize constraints related to possible solutions.

Apply consistent evaluative criteria to various solutions.

Utilize creative and original thinking to evaluate constraints

4

DECIDE UPON A COURSE OF ACTION

Questions to appraise problem solving:

Have all the steps in the plan been defined and sequenced?                                                               

Have all the needed resources been identified?

Characteristics of the criteria:

Choosing a Solution

Reflect upon possible alternatives before choosing a solution.

Use established criteria to evaluate and prioritize solutions.

Draw on data from known effective solutions of similar problems.

Evaluate possible solutions for both positive and negative consequences.

Explore a wide range of alternatives

5

DECIDE ON A PLAN TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE "ACTION PLAN" IS SUCCESSFUL

Questions to appraise problem solving:

Have criteria been selected for evaluating the plan?

Characteristics of the criteria:

Form a reasoned plan for testing alternatives.

Work to reduce the number of alternatives from which they choose a solution.

Analyze alternatives to determine if most effective options have been selected.

Identify deficiencies associated with solutions and how they may be resolved.

Explain and justify why a particular solution was chosen.

Prioritize the sequence of steps in a solution.

6

DECIDE WHETHER THE RESULTS OF THE PLAN MEET THE CRITERIA FOR A SOLUTION

Questions to appraise problem solving:

Have the outcomes (solutions) been compared with the objectives?                                                

Has there been a search for any new problems created by the plan?

Has there been a determination of whether further action is necessary?                                          

Was the correct answer found?

Characteristics of the criteria:

Evaluation

Choose solutions that contain provisions for continuous improvement.

Seek alternative solutions if goals aren't achieved.

Determine and review steps in implementation.

Seek support for solutions.

Revise and refine solutions during implementation.

Determine if their solutions integrate well with other solutions.