Problems arise in our lives on a daily basis, from small to big, we attempt to solve problems. In psychology, there are two types of problems: well-defined problems, and ill-defined problems. These two important elements of solving problems are important to helping to come up with solutions, mainly well-defined problems.
Well-defined problems are “those problems whose goals, path to solution, and obstacles to solution are clear based on the information given” (Rebani, 2023). A personal example is during the pandemic I bought some jigsaw puzzles as there was nothing else to do, and by doing so I knew there was a specific amount of pieces, and I knew there was only one way to finish the end goal. It is a well-structured problem with a clear solution. Well-defined problems also contain “three elements of the problem space: the initial state, set of operators to solve the problem, and the goal state” (Frontiers, 2020).
Ill-defined problems “are characterized by their lack of a clear path to solution” (Rebani, 2023). They also “lack a clear problem statement as well, making the task of problem definition and problem representation quite challenging” (Rebani, 2023). These types of problems are just not clear with many different types of solutions. An example of an ill-defined problem would be for me to try and solve the world’s most troubling political problems. These problems “lack all or most of the information required to reach a solution, they leave at least one of the three elements not specified” (Frontiers, 2020).
Comparing the two types of problems, psychologists tend to focus more on the well-defined problems as they have a “single, convergent, absolutely correct, and knowable solution” (Frontiers, 2020). As stated, the jigsaw puzzle example presents a clear end goal with a solution that is possible. Ill-defined problems are less attractive as they are “offering incomplete, ambiguous, open to interpretation, or uncertain initial states and sets of operations, maybe be solved with a multitude of potentially effective solutions” (Frontiers, 2020).
From small problems to solving a puzzle, to personal problems on how to solve a relationship issue, well-defined problems present a clearer path to an end goal with simpler solutions.
References:
Rebani, P. byby yasmina. (2023, November 1). Mindrise and Co.
Holda, M., Glodek, A., Dankiewicz-Berger, M., Skrzypinska, D., & Szmigielska, B. (2020, March 9). Ill-defined problem solving does not benefit from daytime napping. Frontiers.
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00559/full#:~:text=Well%2Ddefined%20(well%2Dstructured,goal%20state%20(the%20solution).
While well-defined problems are the most appealing to solve. The ill-defined problems must also be approached. While well-defined problems have their issue as something known, ill-defined problems don’t even have that. So when solving ill-defined problems, you first need to find what the problem is to begin with. One effective method to go about this is to create a broad definition of what the issue at hand is. Even if the description is slightly wrong, it gives a starting point to work off of. From there, trial and error is possible, as there is an idea of a problem to work with. When evaluating problems of this nature, it becomes increasingly important to delve in to the abstract. In some cases, the reason your ill-defined problem hasn’t been solved, is because those who attempt to solve it, attempt to do so via conventional means. As explained in the notes with the two string problem. When trying to solve the two string problem, you must not use the instruments given for their common uses in order to come to a conclusion. While ill-defined problems will always be more complicated to solve than well-defined problems, there are methods to go about doing so and I believe that people should not shy away from solving them, just because there are easier-to-solve well-defined problems.