Problem Solving
1. Solving Complex Problems
1) Identification and acceptance of the problem.
2) Finding all the alternatives associated with the problem.
3) Analyzing the advantages and disadvantages associated with each alternative.
4) Choosing the solution.
5) Testing/Evaluating the solution.
I usually spend between $300-500 a month. However, in the last 3 months, my expenditure has been $800-1000 a month, which has been reducing my savings.
Step 1: Defining the problem
Is there a problem? Yes, anything that deters normal living and results in an undesired or unpleasant situation is a problem. If it is unpleasant for just an individual, it can be seen as a personal problem. If it affects a group of people (typically more than 10) then it is a social problem, which is non-personal. The above example is a personal problem, where I need to find ways to cut down at least $150 from my monthly expenses.
Step 2: Alternatives
Having established the problem, the next step is to define the boundaries, and find appropriate alternatives. In order to this, it is important to collect facts. First, I need to make a list of my expenditures for the last 6 months. A comparative study of the lists should give me an idea of where the extra money is spent. Suppose I enrolled in a dance class three months back, which accounts for extra $150 a month; I’ve also had to pay an increase in house maintenance charges of $30 per month at my new place of residence; and most of the remaining increase has been due to commutation from my new place of residence, to other places I visit regularly.
Alternatives:
1) Stop dance class.
2) Move to a central area.
3) Reduce on regular expenses.
Step 3: Analyzing Alternatives
The fee for my new dance classes cannot be avoided since I’m particular about continuing. However, it can be compensated for, by reducing on some other regular expense. The most part of added expenditure seems to be due to my having shifted to a new place. From my college, to my dentist’s, every place that I need to go to, seems to be far away. However, right now, I cannot find a suitable house which is centred around the places I visit regularly, for a reasonable price. But I can figure out if the amount will actually be less than my commutation expenses. If it is, then I can consider moving to a new place. The last option to curb my increasing expenses is to cut down on miscellaneous activities like eating out, going to the movies, and so on. However, I’m not a big fan of making changes in my lifestyle, so this will be my last preference.
Step 4: Solution
Upon analyzing the option for moving, it turns out that the overall monthly expenditure reduces only by $50 or so. In exchange I have to move again, which will add to an extra cost for one month. However, there are at least a couple of things I gain:
1) Even though the monthly expenditure has reduced only by a few tens of dollars, I will save on commutation time.
2) I will also feel a lot less tired after reaching a place since there is not much travel involved.
Even though my aim of cutting down expenses by at least $150 is not met, this seems to be the best solution at present. Moreover, I can also reduce another $50 or so from my miscellaneous expenses, which is not very difficult. I just need to think twice before buying anything.
Step 5: Evaluation
Upon careful consideration of expenses, and my shifting to a new place, I need to clearly list out my monthly expenditure, without missing out anything. Over few months, if I can consistently make ends meet with $700-800 max, then I have solved my problem.
Now, in the above analysis, consider that the country’s economy is going down due to various reasons. Then it becomes a non-personal problem. In such a case, a group of individuals need to identify, analyze and come with alternatives to solve the problem at hand.
2. Thinking Critically About Visuals
It has been proven that visualization of an idea or concept retains the message the longest. In other words, what we see, we remember for a longer period and also grasp it better than if we came to know of it by any other means. This is why using visual aid has become very important in education. Similarly, the success of any ad, be it a poster or a banner, depends on how well it can aid the reader in visualizing the message.
The first ad is a symbolic way of showing what can happen within, due to drug abuse. The message may not be straightforward, but to those who can see what it implies, it is an image which will not be forgotten easily. However, an ad like this would be effective as an alternative, and not as a solution. The solution must rely on more direct means of reducing drug abuse, like implementing laws. The second ad is more easily comprehensible. It is a direct depiction of the consequences of drug abuse. The physical change-over can cause a deep impact in the minds of people. This ad would also be very effective as an alternative.
The concept of casual relationship is relatively new. It refers to dating people without any strings attached. It can be seen as the process of getting to know many people at the same time, with no emotional bonds attached to any. It lets people decide if they want to start a relationship (commitment) with someone. However, this culture has resulted in more evil than good. For instance, after a point, a person involved in too many casual relationships is left with nothing real, and ends up feeling lost. Also, date rapes are said to be in the rise. Depicting this visually, involves some critical thinking. The negatives of such a dating culture must be put forward in a bold, yet sensitive manner.
3. Experiences and Perceptions
As a child, my notion of right and wrong was a direct consequence of my conditioning, and my actions were directly related to it. Every time I went out of line from what my family believed in, I was brought back in line, with a lesson to remember for life. There were some conventional rules; being well mannered was very important. Some other ideas imposed were more specific to my family’s beliefs. For instance, religious practices were drilled in, even when I was a kid. I always believed strongly in the concept of God, which may have been due to my upbringing. I was of the mindset that anything could be achieved with sincere prayers and unquestionable faith. In high school, however, I became fascinated by Science. Specifically, I remember this class debate we had, on Religion versus Science. I delivered a great speech praising religion, about all that I had been taught till then, of everything that gave me an identity. A little while later, one of my classmates spoke against religion; she was a good friend, and I always admired her intellect. When she delivered her points so simply, everything she said seemed to make sense to me. There I was, stuck between so many years of conditioning and a sudden wave that threatened to shake all of it; I had my first identity crisis. And in spite of what seemed logical at that point, I argued in favor of religion so hard. It was more like a battle within; I couldn’t let my whole belief system be shattered. I hung on to what was familiar to me. It was only later when I began reading more books that I began questioning my fundamental beliefs and ideas about life. When I look back now, that stage where my conditioning and my individuality lessons were at loggerheads was the turning point in creating an identity of my own, as an adult.
4. Reporting Factual Information
The article chosen is titled “What is commitment in relationships?” In the below summary of the article, a couple refers to two people who are heterosexual mates/potential mates and love is associated with such a relationship.
The phrase falling in love is not uncommon, but what exactly it means is not very clear. The phrase can be associated with the following:
- Commitment: This means a person is ready to sustain the relationship against all odds and remain committed and loyal to the other person at sexual, emotional, and psychological levels.
- Out of Control: Though this is associated more with the spontaneous rather than the mature relationship, it is commonly linked with the phrase falling in love. This factor means one loses sense of what is rational, and ends up being controlled by Cupid.
- Awakened emotions and hormones: In a budding relationship, it is likely that the couple falling in love goes through emotional changes and sexual tension when around the other person.
- Theories: There have been numerous theories and tips on how to know if a person is in love. Topping the list are day dreaming, singing romantic songs, and fantasizing sexual possibilities with the other. Research shows that there are even specific seasons for falling in love.
The accuracy and reliability of theories involving love is always questionable. They are no more facts than they are hypotheses. However, theories that are proven and accepted by majority are taken as standards in such cases (Steele).
Works Cited
Steele, David. “What is commitment in relationships?” Library of Marnie McNamara, n.d. Web. 20 Feb. 2014.
