Advantages/Disadvantages of problem solving method

Advantages/Disadvantages of problem solving method

Advantages:

 There are many problems throughout the world, some that are very simplistic while others are very complicated with many details.  In order to be an effective problem solver, a person has to have the ability to use prior problem solving skills on problems in the existing future (Ormrod, 2008).  

Disadvantages:
There are several things that could lead to problem solving disadvantages.  
1.)  Inappropriate use of algorithms. While teaching the use of algorithms, teachers often do not explain the reasoning behind the usage nor the way to reapply the algorithm to other problems.  This often leads to the algorithm being used inappropriately or an inopportune time (Ormrod, 2008).   
2.) Blocks. People often develop "blocks" that make it difficult to develop a solution to the problem.  Examples include:

• Perceptual - how people interpret what they see in the world, which often renders decision making biased. 
• Emotional - when a person's emotional needs take precedence over the problems at hand.
• Intellectual -  not being able to think through the processes required for a particular problem.
• Expressive - the problem solver not having the ability to communicate well enough to produce an effective solution.
• Environmental - anything external (social or physical) that gets in the way of the problem solving procedure.
• Cultural - the inability to veer from the "norm".  (ITS Tutorial School, 2011).