- #36
gleem
Science Advisor
Education Advisor
- 2,426
- 1,872
First keep in mind that those who you see as better problem solvers may be so not because they are more intelligent but because they worked hard at developing the necessary skills.
I have to believe that there is innate qualities that facilitate the process of problem solving. For example, problem solving is about seeing relationships. So a good memory to keep your attention on the various aspects of a problem so that you may more easily see the relationships. But effort s by far the the most important. That said here are four qualities of a good problem solver that have been proposed.
Knowledge of the area of the problem Learned through study
Develop a repertoire of techniques. Learned especially through practice.
Good management of the problem solving process, e.g.,knowing when to change approaches . Learned. again through practice.
Confidence that you can solve the problem. Learned. through successfully solving problems.
You might see where above is going, practice and working on problems until they are solved and learning from the experiences.
Leon Lederman ( Nobel Prize in Physics 1988) said "Hard work,--yes, it really accounts for a lot of success. Most scientists aren't brilliant. Some are even very slow. Being solid is important--that means really knowing what you have to know even if it takes a long time. Many "brilliant" guys are superficial. Determination, doggedness and hard work are the characteristics that are highly valued in a group. Imagination puts the icing on the cake."
I have to believe that there is innate qualities that facilitate the process of problem solving. For example, problem solving is about seeing relationships. So a good memory to keep your attention on the various aspects of a problem so that you may more easily see the relationships. But effort s by far the the most important. That said here are four qualities of a good problem solver that have been proposed.
Knowledge of the area of the problem Learned through study
Develop a repertoire of techniques. Learned especially through practice.
Good management of the problem solving process, e.g.,knowing when to change approaches . Learned. again through practice.
Confidence that you can solve the problem. Learned. through successfully solving problems.
You might see where above is going, practice and working on problems until they are solved and learning from the experiences.
Leon Lederman ( Nobel Prize in Physics 1988) said "Hard work,--yes, it really accounts for a lot of success. Most scientists aren't brilliant. Some are even very slow. Being solid is important--that means really knowing what you have to know even if it takes a long time. Many "brilliant" guys are superficial. Determination, doggedness and hard work are the characteristics that are highly valued in a group. Imagination puts the icing on the cake."