Every situation has choices, every situation has known unknowns and unknown unknowns, the only way we get to understand these is by applying the higher level of thinking that we used and taking optimized solutions via cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Interdisciplinary teams bring together different disciplinary points of view, offering a broader range of research techniques and tools than any single discipline could provide. This approach allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the problem and the development of more innovative and effective solutions. Operations research, for example, often involves unusual combinations of disciplines on research teams, leveraging varied research procedures to tackle complex challenges. By integrating knowledge and methods from multiple fields, interdisciplinary collaboration ensures a more holistic and optimized approach to problem-solving.
Different disciplines approach problem-solving using varied methods and techniques, reflecting their unique focus and training. Here's an overview of how different fields tackle problem-solving:
Engineering: Engineering problem-solving involves a systematic approach that can be applied across various branches. The general steps are:
-Analysis: Understand the situation and create a preliminary plan.
-Categorization: Reduce the problem to a clearly stated question.
-Solution: Use deductive reasoning or creative synthesis to answer the question.
-Verification: Check the accuracy and adequacy of the solution.
Interpretation: Relate the simplified solution back to the original problem and report the results.
Science: In mathematics, problem-solving often involves numerical analysis, which relies on algorithms and iterative methods. Key aspects include:
-Linear Equations: Applied mathematics often solves systems of linear equations using matrix-vector notation
-Nonlinear Problems: These are often reduced to a sequence of linear problems, such as using Newton’s iterative method to solve nonlinear equations:
Optimization: Finding values that minimize a real-valued function
History: Historical problem-solving involves explanation and interpretation of past events. Key considerations include:
-Explanation Beyond Facts: Historians aim to explain why events happened and interpret their significance, not just establish facts.
-Consideration of Context: Understanding the reasoning and intentions of historical actors is crucial.
-Narrative Construction: Historians create narratives that convey understanding, using causal linkages and considering the unintended consequences of actions.
Psychology: Psychology examines problem-solving through various lenses, including cognitive processes and creative thinking. Approaches include:
-Divergent and Convergent Thinking: Divergent thinking generates multiple solutions, while convergent thinking narrows down to the best answer.
-Algorithms and Heuristics: Algorithms guarantee a solution through a strict procedure, while heuristics are informal, intuitive approaches that may or may not succeed.
-Insight and Incubation: Insight involves a sudden understanding, often after a period of unconscious processing or incubation.
-Creative Thinking: Involves preparation, incubation, illumination, and verification phases, blending objective and subjective processes.
Every situation has choices, every situation has known unknowns and unknown unknowns, the only way we get to understand these is by applying the higher level of thinking that we used and taking optimized solutions via cross-disciplinary collaboration to deliver personalized solutions mindfully.
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