In this article, I discuss problem-solving as a core part of creativity. Creativity as a skill involves the ability to generate innovative solutions while also tapping into critical thinking, decision-making, time management, teamwork, and other cognitive abilities.
🔍 What Is Problem-Solving?
Google defines problem-solving as “the process of identifying a problem, developing potential solutions, and implementing the most effective one.”
🧩 What Are the Elements of Effective Problem-Solving?
Effective problem-solving typically includes:
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Understanding and defining the problem
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Generating potential solutions
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Evaluating and selecting the best option
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Implementing the solution
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Reviewing and learning from the outcome
💡 3 Effective Problem-Solving Approaches
🔎 1. Inductive Problem-Solving
With the inductive approach, you draw general conclusions from specific observations. It is a bottom-up method of reasoning.
Inductive Process
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Begin with observations
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Identify patterns
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Form a hypothesis
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Acknowledge uncertainty — conclusions are not guaranteed
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Allow for hypotheses to be disproven
Where It Helps
Inductive reasoning is useful in science for forming hypotheses, in everyday life for making predictions, and in decision-making where patterns guide conclusions.
With the inductive approach, you draw general conclusions from specific observations. It is a bottom-up method of reasoning.
Inductive Process
-
Begin with observations
-
Identify patterns
-
Form a hypothesis
-
Acknowledge uncertainty — conclusions are not guaranteed
-
Allow for hypotheses to be disproven
Where It Helps
Inductive reasoning is useful in science for forming hypotheses, in everyday life for making predictions, and in decision-making where patterns guide conclusions.
📐 2. Deductive Problem-Solving
With the deductive approach, you start from general principles or rules and work toward a specific conclusion. It is a top-down, structured method.
Deductive Process
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Start with general statements or rules
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Apply them to the specific problem
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Use logical steps to reach a conclusion
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Validate the result
Where It Helps
Deductive reasoning provides clarity and certainty. It's used in law, mathematics, science, programming, and any context requiring precise logical structure.
With the deductive approach, you start from general principles or rules and work toward a specific conclusion. It is a top-down, structured method.
Deductive Process
-
Start with general statements or rules
-
Apply them to the specific problem
-
Use logical steps to reach a conclusion
-
Validate the result
Where It Helps
Deductive reasoning provides clarity and certainty. It's used in law, mathematics, science, programming, and any context requiring precise logical structure.
🎯 3. Abductive Problem-Solving
With the abductive approach, you begin with an observation and generate the most plausible explanation — often when information is incomplete.
Abductive Process
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Observe an unexpected fact
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Generate possible explanations
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Assess which explanation is most plausible
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Test the hypothesis
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Iterate and refine
Where It Helps
Abductive thinking fuels creative problem-solving and is at the core of frameworks like Design Thinking in UX. It is widely used in medical diagnostics, troubleshooting, and investigative journalism.
📈 Get Wise Series
Get Wise on How You Can Increase Your Neuroplasticity to Enhance Your Divergent Thinking and Creativity
Get Wise on How to Mature Your Creative Idea
Get Wise on How Divergent Problem-Solving Can Be a Key to More Interesting Jobs
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1. https://www.google.com/search?q=problem+solving
2. https://www.google.com/search?q=inductive+problem+solving
3. https://www.google.com/search?q=deductive+problem+solving
4. https://www.google.com/search?q=abductive+problem+solving
https://www.linkedin.com/learning/problem-solving-techniques/
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