...Applying Problem Solving Luis Santiago PHL/251 April 23, 2013 Professor Mirta Sanchez APPLYING PROBLEM SOLVING There are so many problems in the world today, personal as much as in society as a whole. The question is, how can we solve them? The answer is, soft skills such as critical thinking and problem solving. These are arguably the most effective weapons we have against combatting these problems. Let’s explore two examples of real-world scenarios: Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and Gun Violence. A recent study confirmed a direct link between tumors and Genetically Modified Organisms (Food Chem Toxicol, 2012). The scientific method was used to observe, hypothesize, experiment, and verify this conclusion, via a controlled experiment with rats over the course of two years. That’s not to say that all tumors are caused solely by GMOs, but rather that at least one of the causes for tumors have been identified. As a result of this study, many countries have banned the importing, development, and sales of GMOs, including (but not limited to) Italy, Switzerland, and New Zealand (for confirmation, search “GMO Ban” from the University of Phoenix Library). The scientific method has also been used to study the toxicity of chem trails in the air, fluoride in the water, and preservatives in food products. So why has President Obama signed into law the Monsanto Protection Act, which protects Monsanto (a large American GMO company) from federal courts? With so much evidence...
Words: 855 - Pages: 4
...Running head: Applying Problem Solving Applying Problem Solving University of Phoenix Cultural Diversity PHL/215 Heather Hensell Applying Problem Solving When we face emergencies, deadlines, critical situations, and decisions, which call for action, often we respond to our instinct and just as often we make judgments in haste. No matter if the issues are personal, educational or business, occasionally we do not take the time to consult with those "who have been there, done that!" At times we do not investigate the resources available. In problem solving, following guidelines can save time and heartache. How effectively we use these guidelines will determine our chances for a positive resolution to the problem at hand. First, identify and clarify the problem; we must know the problem to solve it. Second, gather information; we must know all the details to come to the correct solution. Third, evaluate the evidence; things are not always as they seem, determine if the information is justifiable. Fourth, consider alternatives and implications; identify the strengths and weaknesses. Lastly, choose and implement the best alternative. In this paper I have chosen two situations that I will use persuasive thinking to solve the problem and the other I will use scientific thinking. The first problem that I will discuss is Racism, which can be defined as the hatred of one person by another or the prejudice that members...
Words: 838 - Pages: 4
...One real world problems I have encountered would be the day my husband and I got fired from our jobs in the same week. This incident happened about two years ago when the economy was starting to go down and the recession was just a reflection on what was to come. I had just started working as a call center agent for Kaiser Permanente working the graveyard shift; this had been the first job I had taken with those hours. In order to work permanently for Kaiser Permanente there is a probation period of four months, during these four months an employee cannot call in sick without a doctor’s note, cannot be late to a shift more than twice, and cannot call in to be absent. One day I had a really bad migraine and ear ache and decided to call in sick. The next day when I went back to work I had forgotten to get a doctor’s note to take to work and my supervisor had advice me to get one the following day or my job could be in jeopardy. The week went by and I had forgotten about the note, when my probation evaluation was up that incident came up and the department supervisor decided I had to be terminated. About three days earlier my husband was also terminated from his job due to our childcare issues. Now that it happened and time has passed to reflect on what went wrong I believe a way to solve this problem in a persuasive thinking manner would have been for myself to go to work that day and speak with my supervisor and explain to him that I knew the rules of calling in sick during the...
Words: 720 - Pages: 3
...Applying Problem Solving Skills In our everyday lives we face decisions that can be casual, urgent, critical, or have a strict deadline. These decisions require action and as humans we often make hasty judgments and react on impulse. The issues can involve personal, educational, or even business related decisions. To be more effective we can apply problem solving skills. Following these guidelines can save a lot of time and prevent heartache and headache. Personally, I have two examples of a problem that I encountered in my work life. Through persuasive thinking I was able to solve one, while the other was resolved through scientific thinking. Applying Persuasive Thinking Having a job in the oil field is no walk in the park. We run across different problems every minute it seems like. Recently, we have been losing mechanics left and right. As they give their two weeks’ notice, one reason that keeps popping up is the schedule. The field runs a six day on three day off schedule, which means we work six days and then have three days off. As Assistant Supervisor over Field Operations, I get to hear the grumbling and mumbling before it even hits the fan. Two of my best Field Mechanics sat down with me and got everything off their chest. They went over every single problem that the current schedule was causing. After our talk, I knew I had to do something to help these guys out (reason number one being if one more person walked out I would be forced to go back out and...
Words: 734 - Pages: 3
...Applying Problem Solving Phl 251 April 1, 2013 Applying Problem Solving Major and minor problems arise in life, which called to be solved by using different methods. It is important that we able to utilize these methods, such as persuasive thinking and scientific thinking, in order to eliminate certain problems that may hinder us from achieving our personal goals. In the past, I have used both of these methods to solve problems that have been as simple as deciding which lotion was the healthiest choice for me and reminding my mother that I was an adult that wanted to travel. Using scientific thinking, I was able to eradicate a problem that involved using a certain type of body lotion. I went to a beauty store to purchase a new body lotion as my old body lotion was finished, and I wanted a change. I tested the scents of many lotions on the shelves and found a particular lotion that was in my budget and had a pleasant scent. The first day I used the lotion, I noticed that my skin was irritated and a few tiny bumps appeared on my arms and legs. Over the next few days, I still used the lotion, and the irritation grew worse; there were more bumps, and they were beginning to itch. The irritation never occurred when I used my old lotion, so I began to believe that was the problem. Kirby and Goodpaster (2007) state that the basic steps to solving a problem using the scientific method are observation, hypothesis formulation, experimentation, and verification (p. 221). I observed...
Words: 1155 - Pages: 5
...Solving Personal Problems: Applying the Five-Step Model J Gonzales April 25, 2016 The objective is to control the problem and not allow the problem to control you. To productively manage a situation you have to practice using the 5-step model. The first step in the 5-step model is pinning the problem. The second step is establish your options. The third step is determine the advantages and disadvantages of each option. The fourth step is electing the solution you feel best suits. The fifth step is evaluating if the solution chosen is effective (John Chaffee, 2014). In week 2, we discussed barriers and learned to identify them to rid ourselves from them. This was a great lesson however, from personal experience I can tell you that it takes more than just identifying the problems to make change. In recent years, I went through a divorce and a change in careers that have forced me to sit and examine my finances. I have set goals, time and time again, to save X amount of money each year for my children's college fund and have created spreadsheets on how I can accomplish this. While it looked great on paper and the system appeared solid, I always came up short on my goals and I realized that other areas of my finances were also being affected. After studying critical thinking and the five-step model the last couple of weeks, I discovered that the first step to fulfill my goal (s) was to identify the problem. The problem is me. I have failed to take full responsibility for my...
Words: 682 - Pages: 3
...University of Phoenix SCI 230 Introduction to Life Science Professor Mayra E. Colombani February 2, 2014 The Scientific Method The scientific method is an established step process to stimulate us to ask questions and seek explanations to situations or problems. On the table below, the scientific method applies the following steps to start an investigation to reach a general conclusion: Observation | Question | Hypothesis | Prediction | Experiment | The problem or situation | Why or what is the concern | What one may state is the problem/situation – prediction | If one does this the problem or situation will be fixed or corrected | Following through to see if hypothesis / prediction was correct | The web-based activity instituted from the University of Phoenix portal prompts the student to apply the scientific method to provide a conclusion (University of Phoenix, 2014). The car experiment posed the most interest portraying an individual who goes to the garage in the morning preparing to head to work and the car will not start. The car was working the day before but today when the individual puts the key in the ignition nothing happens. This creates a query of “Why does the car not start?” After applying the steps to the scientific method and performing all the different scenarios provided from the web-based experiment, the final conclusion was the car needed fluids. I may actually relate to the experiment regarding the car from the web-based activity. Though...
Words: 505 - Pages: 3
...This unit is designed for students in beginning Algebra classes. It is an introduction to the basic functions of algebra including the definition of an equation, using basic mathematical skills to solve equations, and applying equations to problem solving. South Carolina Standard 8-3: Through the process standards students will demonstrate an understanding of equations, inequalities, and linear functions (South Carolina Department of Education, 2007). Specific Indicators as outlined by the South Carolina Department of Education 8-3.1 Translate among verbal, graphical, tabular and algebraic representations of linear functions. 8-3.2 Represent algebraic relationships with equations and inequalities. 8-3.3 Use properties to examine equivalence of a variety of algebraic expressions. 8-3.4 Apply procedures to solve multi-step equations. 8-3.5 Classify relationships between two variables as linear or non-linear. Objectives Day 1 Objective: Students will learn the definition of an algebraic equation and the parts of an equation. Day 2 Objective: Students will apply their knowledge of addition and subtraction to solve algebraic equations. Day 3 Objective: Students will demonstrate proficiency in applying multiplication and division to solving algebraic equations. Day 4 Objective: Students will combine their knowledge of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division to understand the order of operations and the acronym PEMDAS. Day 5 Objective:...
Words: 1259 - Pages: 6
...The benefit of creative problem solving skills Creative problem-solving skill is not just a brainstorming, but it is a distinct process that can help us from problem definition to applying new solutions to a problems or approach a problem in imaginative way. Creative problem solving skills help us to flex our minds, redefine the problems that we faced, find path-breaking ideas and take suitable solutions after that. It’s all about overcoming our mind’s conceptual blocks and finding numerous solutions to solve problems that we face. Everybody can get advantages from having creative problem solving skills whether for individual or organization. When we all facing problems on daily, some of these problems are more severe or complicated than others. It would be delightful to have the competence to solve all problems efficiently without trouble, unfortunately there is no only one way that can solved all problems. One of the most significant characteristics of the creative problem solving process is turns a problem into an occasion to improve the organization. Rather than just depend on on out-of-date ideas to overcome a problem, the creative approach inspires people to join in a dynamic setting which encourages new ideas and methods. Creative problem solving skills is very significant in an organization because it can uses for attaining excellent performance in most of the jobs. The term of “problem" simply refers to any incongruity between the current situation and a desired future...
Words: 577 - Pages: 3
...one direction, when there is a problem entrepreneurs would use innovation which comes from creativity to solve it by entrepreneurship. Innovation deliveries new industries or get exist industries developed and both of those actions will lead economic to develop. The births of new industries encourage people with entrepreneurship to organize new economics. From the other direction, the development of economic absorbs new investments. Those investments include not only labour, land and capital, but also innovation which can improve the new good or service. The development in new industry can also offer money or other capital to encourage people with creativity to innovate. Innovation can be protected by entrepreneurship because it relies on innovation. As Thomson Edison* said, his inventions were from seeing a worthwhile need to be met and trailed after it until it came. So it can be seen as innovations are from solving problem and creativity. As an entrepreneur, spotting a problem and turn it into opportunity by creativity is called entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship sets innovation to processing first and then gets profits from economic development. As Bolton and Thompson (2000) has recognized, entrepreneurship is about change and innovation. So every entrepreneurs needs to understand how to apply or utilize innovation. Processing or applying innovation in the market leads to entrepreneurship. The reason of that is the processing or applying is to utilize new ideas to product...
Words: 898 - Pages: 4
...Organizational Behavior in the Workplace GLORIA GONZALEZ MGT/312 April 22, 2016 UOP Organizational Behavior in the Workplace |Job Skills in the Workplace | |Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches | |to problems. (kinicki & Fugate, p. 7) | |Problem-solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. | |(Kinicki & Fugate, p. 7) | |Judgement and Decision Making: Considering the relative cost and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate ones. | |(Kinicki & Fugate, p. 7) | |Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying; taking the time to understand the points made; asking questions as| |appropriate and not interrupting. (Kinicki & Fugate, p. 7) | In the text, Understanding, and Managing...
Words: 413 - Pages: 2
...responsibility of the school and teachers became more important in formal form of education, with the changing needs of the time, we need to change the pattern of instructional strategies so that educational aim can be achieved. With continuous and comprehensive evaluation we must adopt modified entities of cognitive domains known as revised version of Bloom’s Taxonomy developed by Dr. Lorin Anderson, 1999, a former student of Bloom's, and his colleagues. The updated version of Bloom’s Taxonomy with respect to cognitive domain under scholastic aspect in formal education system can be used for the purpose of 21st century formal classroom for teaching-learning as they are from simplest to most complex objectives: remembering, understanding, applying, analyzing, evaluating, and creating. Keywords: Lesson Planning, Content analysis, Learning Objectives, Student Learning Outcomes, Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) 1. INTRODUCTION: With development of different educational theories and approaches like Behaviorism[John B.Watson; Skinner; Ivan Pavlov and others], Cognitivism [ jerome bruner ;Vygotsky; Jean Piaget and others], Constructivist [Vygotsky; Jean Piaget and others], Neuroeducation...
Words: 3916 - Pages: 16
...” Reasoning falls under the ‘Using and applying’ heading of the National Strategies guidance (DfES,2006) this covers ‘Making decisions, reasoning and generalising about numbers and shapes; and problems involving ‘real life’, money or measures’ (p3). This assignment will discuss activities which develop children’s abilities to reason. In addition it will consider the underlying skills required to develop children’s confidence and understanding of reasoning. Finally it will consider whether a child acquiring the skill of reasoning is important to their education and mathematical development. In addition throughout it will examine the teachers’ role in developing high-quality mathematical dialogue. To some, the ability to reason may seem like a simple skill, however in order for a person to reason there are many fundamental skills which must be first developed. The Using and Applying Guidance Paper (DfES,2006) believes before children are able to reason they must first acquire a confidence with solving problems and thinking logically. Then they should develop the ability to ‘represent’ the problem, choosing key information and using mathematical calculations, pictures and diagrams to record their thinking. Next they must develop the skill of enquiring, asking questions to further their understanding of a problem. Finally they are able to develop their understanding of reasoning and communication. According to the Using and Applying Guidance Paper (DfES,2006) to enable a child...
Words: 1763 - Pages: 8
...Healthcare Communication Healthcare Communication In any organization whether it is the health care field or not effective communication is key to most success in any aspect of management. As a manager it is important to have a good relationship with employees, because their feedback and problem solving abilities are important to know and it is a very useful resource to a mangers ability to make the business run smoothly and efficiently. Effective communication in health care contains information sharing and including employees in articulating solutions to problems. Through having effective communication health care organizations can reduce revenue, escalade productivity, and improve the environment of the office. Presently many methods are accessible to use to improve the information sharing and problem-solving skills midst the employees of an organization. Information technology has also had a constructive effect on stimulating these things. Effective communication is important in every organization, especially in the health care industry and can be attained through executing new techniques to promote information sharing and problem solving skills(Victorian Government, 2010).. In my mother’s most recent place of work, and where I volunteer at times only one technique had been endeavored to promote sharing information and ideas. This technique was periodical scheduled meetings. Throughout the meetings every piece of the job was deliberated plus areas that needed...
Words: 760 - Pages: 4
...and sometimes there are conflicting theories about what is best or what works in a particular situation. Moreover, what works in one situation or for one condition might be ineffective or even dangerous in another, or when combined with other measures. Professionals cannot afford to take risks hence research is needed. Common sense approaches may overlook the impact of external factors which may contribute to what is observed. There are gaps in knowledge, theories about how something might work better and ideas for improvement. The study of research provides one with knowledge and skills one needs to solve problems and meet the challenges of a fast-paced decision-making environment. C. C Crawford defines research as a systematic and refined technique of thinking, employing specialized tools, instruments and procedures in order to obtain a more adequate solution to a Problem. Social research is conducted to explore a topic, to provide a beginning familiarity with that topic. This purpose is typically when a researcher is examining a new interest or when the subject of study is itself relatively new and unstudied. When carrying out research in the Society, it will include the following types of research: 1. Basic research It is a type of research which is characterized by a desire to know or to expound the frontiers of knowledge. It is research based on the creation of new knowledge. It is mainly theoretical and for advancement of knowledge. Basic researchers are interested...
Words: 893 - Pages: 4
