Problem finding is part of the larger problem process that includes

problem shaping Problem shaping means revising a question so that the solution process can begin or continue. It is part of the larger problem process that includes problem finding and problem solving. Problem shaping (or problem framing) often involves the app ...

and

problem solving Problem solving is the process of achieving a goal by overcoming obstacles, a frequent part of most activities. Problems in need of solutions range from simple personal tasks (e.g. how to turn on an appliance) to complex issues in business an ...

. Problem finding requires intellectual vision and insight into what is missing. Problem finding plays a major role in application of

creativity Creativity is the ability to form novel and valuable Idea, ideas or works using one's imagination. Products of creativity may be intangible (e.g. an idea, scientific theory, Literature, literary work, musical composition, or joke), or a physica ...

. Different terms have been used for problem finding in literature including problem discovery, problem formulation, problem identification, problem construction, and problem posing. It has been studied in many fields. Mathematics and science prefer to the term problem posing.

Processes in problem finding

Basadur distinguished ''problem discovery'' and ''problem formulation''; then later ''problem generation'' and ''problem conceptualization''. Runco and Chand distinguish ''problem identification'' and ''problem definition''. Scholars distinguish between ''well-defined'' and ''ill-defined'' problems. Briggs and Reinig defined a well-defined solution in terms of space solution space. Pretz, Naples, and Sternberg defined a well-defined problem as one for which the parts of the solution are closely related or clearly based on the information given. Problem finding applies to ill-defined problems. Abdulla-Alabbasi and Cramond reviewing the literature on problem finding conceptualize five processes of decreasing of ill-definedness and distinguish ideative and evaluative processes. The processes are ''discovery, formulation, construction, identification and definition''. ''Problem discovery'' is an unconscious process which depends upon knowledge whereby an idea enters one's conscious awareness, ''problem formulation'' is the discovery of a goal; ''problem construction'' involves modifying a known problem or goal to another one; problem identification represents a problem that exists in reality but needs to be discovered (such as an unknown virus causing illness in patients); ''problem definition'' involves modifying a problem but in a mostly evaluative rather than ideative way.

Processes in problem finding

References

See also