Question

What kind of problems require you to narrow down the range of possible solutions to arrive at the correct answer? a. simple problems b. convergent thinking problems c. algorithms d. divergent thinking problems

Short answer

Convergent thinking problems (b).

Step-by-step solution

Understand Problem Types

To answer the question, we need to understand the types of problems listed. - Simple Problems: These are straightforward and usually not complex. - Convergent Thinking Problems: These require solving a problem by narrowing down many possible solutions to find one correct answer. - Algorithms: A step-by-step procedure or formula for solving a problem. - Divergent Thinking Problems: Involves generating multiple solutions or exploring various possibilities.

Identify the Keywords

The key phrase in the question is "narrow down the range of possible solutions to arrive at the correct answer." This phrase suggests a methodical approach to eliminate wrong answers and zero in on the correct one.

Match Problem Type with Description

- Simple problems are not necessarily about narrowing down solutions. - Algorithms are more about following a set procedure rather than narrowing down a range. - Divergent thinking encourages brainstorming and expanding ideas, not narrowing them. - Convergent thinking, however, is specifically about narrowing down options to find the best or correct solution.

Key concepts

Problem Types

Different problems call for different approaches and methods to solve them. Understanding the type of problem you are dealing with is the first step in finding a solution.

• Simple Problems: These are straightforward issues that are easily understood and solved with a basic strategy or thought process. They don't usually require in-depth reasoning or elimination of choices.
• Convergent Thinking Problems: These problems require narrowing down a wide array of possible solutions to find the one correct answer. They often involve synthesizing data and logic to reach a single solution.
• Algorithms: These problems are solved using a defined step-by-step procedure or formula which leads to the solution without much need for narrowing down. They are systematic in nature.
• Divergent Thinking Problems: The opposite of convergent thinking, these problems encourage the generation of multiple potential solutions or exploring a range of ideas. They focus on creativity and breadth of thinking rather than close-ended problem-solving.

Each type of problem demands a specific technique, particularly focusing either on narrowing solutions or expanding them.

Narrowing Solutions

Narrowing solutions is a technique central to convergent thinking problems. It involves systematically eliminating incorrect or unnecessary options to home in on the best answer.
This process can be seen as a funnel: starting with a broad set of possibilities, and then methodically evaluating and dismissing options based on certain criteria until only the most viable solution remains.
Here’s how to effectively narrow down solutions:

• Identify Essential Criteria: Establish what requirements the correct solution must meet. This helps you eliminate options that don’t satisfy these basic needs.
• Evaluate Each Option: Analyze each remaining possibility, often using logic or familiar patterns, to see how well it meets the criteria.
• Apply Consistent Logic: Use systematic reasoning to dismiss choices that fail to align with your essential criteria.

This strategic elimination aids in keeping focus on probable solutions and ignoring distractors, ultimately reducing time and cognitive load.

Correct Answer Identification

Once the range of possible solutions has been adequately narrowed down, the next step is correct answer identification. This involves selecting the best or only viable option from the shortlist of solutions you have after the process of elimination.
To accurately identify the correct answer, you should:

• Correlate with Facts: Ensure the solution is grounded in factual evidence or known data, which safeguards it from being an intuitive but unfounded guess.
• Review Solution Fit: Double-check that the chosen solution satisfies all the essential criteria and that there are no overlooked contradictions or gaps.
• Reflect on the Process: Confirm that the selection process was logical and thorough. Consider whether each potential solution was given fair weight and consideration.

In convergent thinking, your mission is to reflect your understanding of the issue and then apply disciplined thought to confirm your choice is the optimal resolution.