Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Techniques and Examples

This assignment delves into the core concepts of critical thinking and problem-solving, offering a comprehensive analysis of two key techniques: brainstorming and trial and error. Brainstorming is presented as a collaborative method for generating innovative ideas, particularly beneficial in organizational settings like software development companies and conferences. The assignment highlights the structured approach of brainstorming, emphasizing the importance of open discussion and valuing all contributions. The second technique, trial and error, is examined as a practical method for addressing complex problems with multiple potential solutions, with examples from engineering and software testing. The assignment also provides a list of references to support the concepts discussed.

Running head: CRITICAL THINKING AND PROBLEM SOLVING
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author’s note

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CRITICAL THINKING AND PROBLEM SOLVING
Brainstorming
This is a technique which is applied in various organizations in order to generate new and
unique ideas. Brainstorming is generally used before starting a project. This is done by following
a process of group discussion where everyone present in the organization places their own
perception to develop a new project (Gallagher, 2013). This clarifies any problem or doubt that
took place while planning about the project. A successful brainstorming session considers the
suggestion of every person participating in the discussion to be valid. Most of the brainstorming
sessions are considered to be unstructured. Multiple ideas are gathered. The best idea is selected
among these ideas. People are encouraged to appreciate the other participants rather than
criticizing them in the brainstorming session. Brainstorming sessions boost people to think in a
free way and evaluate ideas (Wilson, 2013). A good example of brainstorming session is the
general meeting that takes place in a software development company like Microsoft. This can
also be considered to be a technique that can be used in a conference. People do not give ideas on
a usual basis in an organization. Brainstorming sessions brings out the innovative side of each
person very clearly (Keeney, 2012). Certain rules can be followed in order to generate good
ideas and these rules can be helpful for introvert people to open up and give ideas during the
session.
Trial and Error
This is a technique that can be used to solve complex and difficult issues and problems.
Trial and error technique or method can be used in order to solve those problems that can have
multiple chances or choices to come to a single solution (Garrett, 2013). This methodology
cannot be used to solve problems where multiple alternatives are not present. Trial and error
techniques cannot be used in cases where a doctor is carrying out an operation on a patient or in

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CRITICAL THINKING AND PROBLEM SOLVING
case of bomb diffusion. This method is useful in gaining knowledge. Suppose there are several
alternatives to reach a solution in that case, the researcher can use each of the alternatives and
check the result (Berkeley, 2013). The option that gives the correct result is selected. If the one
option does not give the desired result then the next option can be tried out. Mechanical and
engineering problems are most of the time solved by using this trial and error methodology. This
technique is not used for getting the best result but it is used for simply finding a solution
(Ruediger et al., 2012). It needs a lot of patience. A very good example of this technique is the
attempts made by engineers of aircrafts to break the barrier of sound. An example of trial and
error in the IT industry is the testing that is done after developing software.

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References
Berkeley, A., 2013. Trial and error. Arcturus Publishing.
Gallagher, S., 2013. Brainstorming: Views and interviews on the mind. Andrews UK Limited.
Garrett, B.L., 2013. Trial and error. Wrongful convictions and miscarriages of justice: Causes
and remedies in North American and European Criminal Justice Systems, p.77.
Keeney, R.L., 2012. Value-focused brainstorming. Decision Analysis, 9(4), pp.303-313.
Ruediger, S., Spirig, D., Donato, F. and Caroni, P., 2012. Goal-oriented searching mediated by
ventral hippocampus early in trial-and-error learning. Nature neuroscience, 15(11), pp.1563-
1571.
Wilson, C., 2013. Brainstorming and beyond: a user-centered design method. Newnes.