problemlösningssituationer

Problemlösning, or problem solving, refers to the cognitive and collaborative processes used to identify and overcome obstacles to a goal. It spans disciplines from mathematics and engineering to everyday decision making. The term is used in many languages and contexts; the Swedish term 'problemlösning' is commonly used in education and psychology.

Core process: identifying the problem, defining constraints, gathering information, generating alternatives, evaluating options, selecting and implementing a solution, and reviewing outcomes. Most models emphasize iteration and feedback, recognizing that initial solutions may require refinement.

Common frameworks: IDEAL model (Identify, Define, Explore, Act, Look back), PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) for continuous improvement, and design thinking for user-centered problems. Techniques include root-cause analysis (5 Whys), brainstorming, means-ends analysis, and TRIZ. Creative thinking promotes divergent ideas; analytical thinking evaluates feasibility and risks.

Tools and methods: flowcharts, mind maps, decision matrices, and heuristic approaches. Awareness of cognitive biases (availability, confirmation bias) helps improve judgment.

Applications: in education to teach reasoning; in business and engineering to optimize processes; in software development for debugging and feature design; and in daily life for personal decisions. The field emphasizes both systematic methods and flexible adaptation to context.