Q1
Thinking Critically about Problems: Each individual is better at solving some types of problems than others. What types of problems are you good at solving? What types of problems would you like to be better at solving? Give examples of each.
Q2
Introduction to Solving Problems: Think of a minor everyday problem you need to solve, and then work through it using the first four problem-solving questions: (1) What is the problem? (2) What are the alternatives? (3) What are the advantages and/or disadvantages of each alternative? (4) What is the solution? If your solution has been tried, answer the fifth question as well: (5) How well is the solution working?
Q3
Solving Complex Problems: Identify a serious, complex personal or professional problem that you need to solve. Have you tried to solve it in the past? If so, what happened? Did you make some progress, or did the solution fail? What might the benefit of approaching this complex problem again be, using the advanced problem-solving method in the text?
Q4
Solving Nonpersonal Problems: Describe an important local, state, national, or international problem that interests you. How might you contribute to the solution of this problem?