CSC122 Week 1: Problem Solving Concepts
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What is a problem in computing terms?

A problem in computing terms can be defined as an unpleasant situation or condition in which a better or perfect state is desired.

What are the two classifications of solutions to problems in computer programming?

  • Analogical Solutions
  • Heuristic Solutions (correct)
  • Algorithmic Solutions (correct)
  • Reduction Solutions

    • ______ solutions are achieved from knowledge, experience, and various trials and errors.

    Heuristic

    An algorithmic solution to a problem involves an undefined sequence of steps.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following solution techniques with their descriptions:

    <p>Abstraction = Solving the problem in a model before applying to the real system Trial-and-Error = Testing possible solutions until finding the right one Means-ends analysis = Choosing an action at each step to move closer to the goal Divide and Conquer = Breaking a large problem into smaller solvable problems</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements is true about problem solving?

    <p>Problem solving involves applying a series of steps to attain a desired goal state.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the ultimate goal of a computer programmer when solving a problem?

    <p>To find the best solution to the problem.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of solution involves a defined and finite sequence of steps?

    <p>Algorithmic solutions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for the sequence of steps used to arrive at a goal or desired state?

    <p>Algorithm.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of solutions are typically achieved using artificial intelligence techniques?

    <p>Heuristic solutions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following solution techniques involves solving a problem in a model of the system before applying it to the real system?

    <p>Abstraction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of a problem that can have multiple solutions?

    <p>All of the above.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary focus of this course?

    <p>Algorithmic solutions to problems</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary difference between algorithmic and heuristic solutions?

    <p>Algorithmic solutions involve a defined sequence of steps, while heuristic solutions do not.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following problems would likely require a series of trial and error before a solution can be reached?

    <p>Designing a complex algorithm.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following solution techniques involves testing possible solutions until the right one is found?

    <p>Trial-and-Error</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the goal of means-ends analysis?

    <p>To choose an action at each step to move closer to the goal</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main characteristic of a problem that has a straightforward solution?

    <p>It has a defined and finite sequence of steps.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary characteristic of heuristic solutions?

    <p>They are reached by a series of steps that emerge from knowledge and experience</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following solution techniques involves suggesting a large number of solutions or ideas and combining and developing them until an optimum is found?

    <p>Brainstorming</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary advantage of using analogy in problem-solving?

    <p>It uses a solution that has already solved an analogous problem</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary characteristic of a routine problem?

    <p>It has a simple and predictable solution.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What determines if the desired goal state will be reached in problem-solving?

    <p>The input made to the present state</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the definition of a problem in computing terms?

    <p>An obstacle to overcome with a clear goal state</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary difference between a routine problem and a non-routine problem?

    <p>The simplicity or complexity of the solution</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the goal of problem-solving using computers?

    <p>To reach the goal state</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the characteristic of a problem that defines its input and desired goal state?

    <p>Its present state and goal state</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of the six problem-solving steps?

    <p>To solve a problem with an algorithmic solution</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary feature of an unpleasant situation or condition in problem-solving?

    <p>It is an obstacle to overcome</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which solution technique involves breaking down a large, complex problem into smaller, solvable problems?

    <p>Divide and Conquer (D&amp;C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary advantage of computers in problem-solving?

    <p>Ability to deal with algorithmic solutions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the field of Computer Science that deals with heuristic types of problems?

    <p>Artificial Intelligence (AI)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which solution technique involves identifying the cause of the problem?

    <p>Root cause Analysis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary advantage of human beings in problem-solving?

    <p>Ability to arrive at heuristic solutions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which solution technique involves synthesizing seemingly non-matching characteristics of different objects into something new?

    <p>Method of focal objects</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of proof in problem-solving?

    <p>To try to prove that the problem cannot be solved</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary challenge in programming computers to solve heuristic problems?

    <p>Programming the machine to solve the problem</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of evaluating the pros and cons of each possible solution?

    <p>To determine the best solution to select</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the characteristic of instructions involved in the solution?

    <p>They must be in both human and computer-readable forms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens if the result of the solution is unsatisfactory or incorrect?

    <p>The list of instructions is reviewed or the other 5 steps are repeated</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is considered when understanding the problem?

    <p>The knowledge base of the individual and the layout of the campus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of identifying alternative solutions?

    <p>To generate a list of possible solutions to the problem</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the name given to the step-by-step procedures that will be followed to arrive at the desired goal state?

    <p>Algorithms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of selecting the best alternative?

    <p>To weed out alternatives that are not acceptable</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the 6-step process?

    <p>To find a solution to a problem in a systematic way</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Overview of Problems and Problem-Solving Concepts

    • A problem exists in every area of our daily lives and is defined as an unpleasant situation or condition that requires a better or perfect state to be desired.
    • Problems are obstacles to overcome, and reaching the goal state is achieved by following a sequence of steps, which can be either simple or complex.

    Types of Problems

    • Routine Problems: problems with simple and predictable solutions, such as solving a math problem or spelling a word.
    • Non-routine Problems: problems with subjective, abstract, and complex solutions, which are more difficult to solve.

    Problem Solving

    • Problem solving is the application of ideas, skills, or factual information as inputs in a specific sequence of steps to attain the solution to a problem or to reach a desired goal state.
    • The sequence of steps is called the solution to the problem, which takes defined inputs and produces the desired output.

    Types of Solution Approaches

    • Algorithmic Solutions: solutions to problems in which the desired state is achieved by a defined and finite sequence of steps, such as making pizza or determining the number of rooms in a building.
    • Heuristic Solutions: solutions to problems in which the goal state is reached by a series of steps that emerge from knowledge and experience or from various trials and error, such as making a speech at an event or playing and winning a soccer game.

    Focus of the Course

    • This course is mainly concerned with algorithmic solutions to problems, which can be solved by computers.
    • Heuristics solutions are achieved using artificial intelligence techniques, such as artificial neural networks, fuzzy logic, and constraint optimization.

    Some Solution Techniques

    • Abstraction: solving the problem in a model of the system before applying it to the real system.
    • Analogy: using a solution that solved an analogous problem.
    • Brainstorming: suggesting a large number of solutions or ideas and combining and developing them until an optimum is found.
    • Trial-and-Error: testing possible solutions until the right one is found.
    • Hypothesis testing: assuming a possible explanation to the problem and trying to prove (or, in some contexts, disprove) the assumption.
    • Reduction: transforming the problem into another problem for which solutions exist.
    • Lateral thinking: approaching solutions indirectly and creatively.
    • Means-ends analysis: choosing an action at each step to move closer to the goal.
    • Method of focal objects: synthesizing seemingly non-matching characteristics of different objects into something new.
    • Morphological analysis: assessing the output and interactions of an entire system.
    • Research: employing existing ideas or adapting existing solutions to similar problems.
    • Root cause Analysis: identifying the cause of the problem.
    • Proof: trying to prove that the problem cannot be solved.
    • Divide and Conquer (D&C): breaking down a large, complex problem into smaller, solvable problems.

    Solving Problems with Computers

    • Computers are built to deal with algorithmic solutions, which are often difficult or very time-consuming for humans.
    • Solving complex mathematical equations or arranging names in alphabetical order is an easy task for computers.

    6 Steps of Solving Any Problem

    • Identify the Problem: the first step of solving any problem is to identify the problem.
    • Understand the Problem: understanding the problem entails having a good knowledge base of the problem.
    • Identify Alternative Solutions to Problem: list as many alternate solutions as possible.
    • Select the Best Solution: evaluate the pros and cons of each possible solution and select the best one.
    • List the Instructions Involved in the Solution: provide step-by-step procedures to arrive at the desired goal state.
    • Evaluate the Solution: check the result of the solution to ensure correctness and satisfaction of the need or situation.

    Overview of Problems and Problem Solving Concepts

    • Problems exist in every area of daily life and are obstacles to overcome, such as solving a math equation, making a decision, or accomplishing a task.
    • A problem can be defined as an unpleasant situation or condition where a better or perfect state is desired.
    • Reaching the goal state is achieved by following a sequence of steps, which can be either simple or complex.

    Types of Problems

    • Routine problems: have simple and predictable solutions, such as solving a math problem or spelling a word.
    • Non-routine problems: have subjective, abstract, and complex solutions, such as arranging 10 popular languages from best to least, and are more difficult to solve.

    Problem Solving

    • Problem solving is the application of ideas, skills, or factual information as inputs in a specific sequence of steps to attain a solution to a problem or reach a desired goal state.
    • The sequence of steps is called the solution to the problem, and the solution takes defined inputs and produces the desired output.
    • One problem can have multiple solutions, but the aim of computer programmers is to find the best solution to the given problem.

    Types of Solution Approaches

    • Algorithmic solutions: solutions to problems in which the desired state is achieved by a defined and finite sequence of steps, such as making a pizza or getting to the CST building from the hostel.
    • Heuristic solutions: solutions to problems in which the goal state is reached by a series of steps that emerge from knowledge and experience, such as making a speech at an event or playing and winning a soccer game.

    Solution Techniques

    • Abstraction: solving the problem in a model of the system before applying it to the real system.
    • Analogy: using a solution that solved an analogous problem.
    • Brainstorming: suggesting a large number of solutions or ideas and combining and developing them until an optimum is found.
    • Trial-and-Error: testing possible solutions until the right one is found.
    • Hypothesis testing: assuming a possible explanation to the problem and trying to prove or disprove the assumption.
    • Reduction: transforming the problem into another problem for which solutions exist.
    • Lateral thinking: approaching solutions indirectly and creatively.
    • Means-ends analysis: choosing an action at each step to move closer to the goal.
    • Method of focal objects: synthesizing seemingly non-matching characteristics of different objects into something new.
    • Morphological analysis: assessing the output and interactions of an entire system.
    • Research: employing existing ideas or adapting existing solutions to similar problems.
    • Root cause Analysis: identifying the cause of the problem.
    • Proof: trying to prove that the problem cannot be solved, and the point where the proof fails will be the starting point for solving it.
    • Divide and Conquer (D&C): breaking down a large, complex problem into smaller, solvable problems.

    Solving Problems with Computers

    • Computers are built to deal with algorithmic solutions, which are often difficult or very time-consuming for humans.
    • Solving a complex mathematical equation or arranging 3000 names in alphabetical order is an easy task for computers.

    6-Steps in Problem Solving

    • Identify the problem: define the problem and its constraints.
    • Understand the problem: consider the knowledge base and layout of the campus.
    • Identify alternative solutions: list possible solutions to the problem.
    • Select the best alternative: evaluate the pros and cons of each alternative and make a final decision.
    • List instructions involved in the solution: specify the step-by-step procedures to arrive at the desired goal state.
    • Evaluate the solution: check the result of the solution to ensure correctness and satisfaction.

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    Related Documents

    [Week 1] Overview of problems and problem solving.pptx

    Description

    This quiz covers the basics of problem-solving in computing, including the difference between heuristic and algorithmic solutions, and the six steps to solve problems with algorithmic solutions.

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