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What is the Difference Between Problem and Problem-Solving?

Published in Problem Solving Distinction 3 mins read

The core difference lies in familiarity: Problem-solving is the process for situations where the solution isn't immediately known, while solving a problem often involves applying a pre-existing, known method.

Drawing from insights shared at a conference, a presenter aptly stated, "Problem-solving is what you do when you don't know how to solve a problem". This highlights that true "problem-solving" engages creative and analytical thought to find a new path when the conventional route is unclear or non-existent.

Understanding the Concepts

Let's break down the nuances between a 'problem' (in the context of applying known methods) and 'problem-solving' (the process for the unknown):

Problem (Applying Known Methods)

In many educational or structured settings, what is termed a "problem" is actually an exercise designed to test the application of learned techniques.

  • Definition: A situation or question for which a standard, established method or algorithm exists to find the answer.
  • Action Involved: Applying a known method to a problem that has already been solved before, or is of a type that has been solved before.
  • Focus: Execution, accuracy in applying the learned technique.
  • Examples:
    • Calculating the area of a rectangle using the formula length × width.
    • Solving a linear equation like 2x + 3 = 9 using inverse operations.
    • Following a recipe step-by-step to bake a cake.

Problem-Solving (Navigating the Unknown)

This is where genuine exploration and creativity come into play. It's about tackling challenges that don't fit neatly into a pre-defined solution template.

  • Definition: The cognitive process undertaken to find a solution to a difficult or complex issue for which the path to resolution is not immediately obvious.
  • Action Involved: Investigating, analyzing, brainstorming, testing hypotheses, and developing a new or adapted method to reach a solution. This is "what you do when you don't know how to solve a problem".
  • Focus: Inquiry, creativity, critical thinking, adaptability, resilience in the face of uncertainty.
  • Examples:
    • Finding a way to reduce traffic congestion in a city with a growing population.
    • Diagnosing an unusual error in a complex software system without a known fix.
    • Figuring out how to assemble furniture when the instructions are missing.

Key Distinctions

The table below summarizes the core differences:

Feature Problem (Solving with Known Methods) Problem-Solving (Navigating the Unknown)
Solution Path Known, established, often procedural Unknown, requires exploration and discovery
Goal Apply correct method; get the right answer efficiently Find a viable solution; learn and adapt
Skills Used Application, calculation, recall, precision Analysis, creativity, critical thinking, experimentation
Uncertainty Low (solution method is certain) High (path to solution is uncertain)
Reference Quote Represents the outcome of applying a method Represents the process described ("what you do...")

In essence, while "solving a problem" implies reaching a known destination via a known route, "problem-solving" is the art and science of navigating towards a solution when the map doesn't exist. Both are valuable skills, but they engage different cognitive processes and represent different stages of dealing with challenges.