Problem Solving with Computers

Problem Solving with Computers

The term solution means the instructions listed during step 5 of problem solving—the instructions that must be followed to produce the best results.

Results means the outcome or the completed computer-assisted answer.

Program means the set of instructions that make up the solution after they have been coded into a particular computer language.

Computers are built to deal with algorithmic solutions, which are often difficult or very time consuming for humans.

People are better than computers at developing heuristic solutions.

Solving a complicated calculus problem or alphabetizing 10,000 names is an easy task for the computer, but the problem of how to throw a ball or how to speak English is not.

The difficulty lies in the programming. How can problems such as how to throw a ball or speak English be solved in a set of steps that the computer can understand? The field of computers that deals with heuristic types of problems is called artificial intelligence.

Artificial intelligence enables a computer to do things like build its own knowledge bank and speak in a human language. As a result, the computer’s problem-solving abilities are similar to those of a human being.

Artificial intelligence is an expanding computer field, especially with the increased use of Robotics. Until computers can be built to think like humans, people will process most heuristic solutions and computers will process many algorithmic solutions.

Difficulties with Problem Solving

People have many problems with problem solving.

Some have not been taught how to solve problems. Others are afraid to make a decision for fear it will be the wrong one.

Often, when people go through the problem-solving process, they complete one or more of the steps inadequately.

They may not define the problem correctly or may not generate a sufficient list of alternatives. When choosing the best alternative, they may eliminate good alternatives or list the pros and cons too hastily.

They may not use a logical sequence of steps in their solution, or they may focus on details before the framework for the solution is in place.

Finally, they may incorrectly or haphazardly evaluate the solution.

The problem-solving process is not easy. It takes practice and time to perfect, but in the long run the process proves to be of great benefit.

When solving problems on the computer, one of the most difficult tasks for the problem solver is writing the instructions.

Take the task of deciding which number is the largest from a group of three numbers. Almost anyone can immediately tell which is the largest, but many cannot explain the steps they followed to arrive at it.

Most people will say, “I can’t explain how I know, I just know it!” This explanation is not good enough for the computer. The computer is a tool that will perform only tasks that the user can explain.

The computer has a specific system of communication that programmers and users must learn. This system demands that no step in the solution to a problem be left unstated and that all steps be in the proper order.

You must assume the computer knows nothing except what you tell it and think of it as an ignorant but efficient aid to problem solving.