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.

https://www.mindriselife.org/index.php/2023/04/25/problem-solving-skills-well-defined-vs-ill-defined-problems/

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).

Ten years ago, my mother suffered a stroke, then three years after that, suffered another one. It completely changed her life in every aspect. Before this occurred, I had very limited knowledge about how stroke’s effect one’s brain and the damage it could cause. In my personal case, my mother suffered damage to her brain and affected her memory. Here I will discuss the cognitive damage experience by my mother and others who have been distressed by having a stroke to the brain.

Our short-term memory is the “capacity to store a small amount of information in the mind and keep it readily available for a short period of time” (Cherry, 2023). After my mother’s stroke, her short-term memory was damaged as she would indicate she had something to say, but then could not remember what she wanted to communicate. Short term memory in general is limited and “will be stores for approximately 20 to 30 seconds, or even less” (Cherry, 2023). This created much frustration for her as it is important for day to day functions.

Early signs of dementia have been evident in my mother’s behavior post stroke as well. “One-third go on to develop dementia within five years” (CNN, 2023). Her cognitive abilities were mild, however she suffered damage to her attention span and language. Her doctor informed us her cerebral cortex was damaged due to the second stroke and these examples proved that was correct.

With the early onset dementia, came damage to her long-term memory as well. Her long-term memory, which stores her memories from the past, became sometimes impossible for her to recall even something as big as her wedding or having her first child. However usually after a stroke, the short-term memory is affected more than long-term in many cases (Stroke Association, 2022). Any appointments that were planned were almost impossible for her to recall, which is why help was required.

Serious cognitive damage to the brain following a stroke is life-altering. Both the short and long-term memory are affected and unfortunately sometimes brings dementia to the brain which can be long term.

References:

Memory problems. (2022, August 25). Stroke Association. https://www.stroke.org.uk/effects-of-stroke/memory-problems#:~:text=Many%20people%20have%20problems%20with,that%20happened%20ten%20years%20ago.

MSEd. K. C. (2023). How Short-Term Memory Works. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-short-term-memory-2795348

 LaMotte, Sandee. “Up to 60% of Stroke Survivors May Develop Cognitive Decline within a Year.” CNN, 1 May 2023, https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/01/health/stroke-cognition-dementia-wellness/index.html

Concussions to the brain can unfortunately be a part of being an athlete, especially with sports that could have contact. I have experienced three concussions in my time as an athlete and had this confirmed each time by receiving an MRI, Magnetic Resonance Imaging. An MRI is used to measure the brain in a way that cannot cause any damage to it and was an essential tool in diagnosing my concussions. There are different ways to measure the brain, however using an MRI provides the specific imaging detail to help diagnose the problem by using a “strong magnetic field and radio waves to build up a picture from the brain” (University of Queensland, 2018).

Experiencing symptoms such as ringing in the ears, confusion, headaches, sensitivity to light for an extended period, my doctor decided it would be best to get an MRI in order to diagnose the problem. I had received an MRI in the past but for my knee injury, so hearing that it would be effective in diagnosing my concussion was welcoming news.

Another benefit of the MRI is the fact that since a concussion shows no structural damage, “the lack of obvious damage means that much of the imaging research in concussion focuses in brain function rather than brain structure” (University of Queensland, 2018). The MRI will be able to show what is happening inside the brain without any evasive procedure that may cause brain damage. Since concussions cannot be seen from the outside, it provides a clear picture as to what is happening on the inside.

The fMRI (functional MRI), is another suggestion that was made to me by another sports doctor. By doing so, it shows which parts of the brain are active, and “what happens to the brain in the immediate aftermath of a concussion, as well as the following weeks and months” (University of Queensland, 2018). I did not receive one, however, it is just another example of measuring the brain without causing any damage and getting the answers that are needed.

With the help of MRI’s and fMRI’s, doctors are now able to help diagnose these traumatic brain injuries that I experienced and set a path toward recovering and long term healthy living.

References:

Diagnosing concussion with image tests. Queensland Brain Institute – University of Queensland. (2018, May 16).

https://qbi.uq.edu.au/concussion/diagnosing-concussion-image-tests