Introduction
Critical thinking is essential in problem-solving because it allows individuals to make more informed decisions by creatively analyzing and evaluating the problem. To solve a problem, one must correctly identify the issue, gather information and facts, and assess and monitor potential solutions (Kirby Goodpaster, 2007). Persuasive and scientific thinking are methods used to evaluate and analyze problematic situations to determine how to solve them using a process and strategy. This paper will evaluate two problems.
Two problems require different approaches: one needs persuasive thinking, while the other requires scientific thinking. By thoroughly examining various creative and critical thinking methods, we can determine a solution for each problem. We will provide a detailed description of how each solution will effectively solve its respective problem.
Problem Situations
One problem situation I have encountered is choosing a new elementary school for my child with autism. I made my decision based on data provided by the Board of Education, state specialists, and other agencies. The school I chose has an autism learning center, which is not available in my local public school system.
In order for my child to attend the school of my choice, I must convince the Board of Education that his special needs cannot be met by our local public school. By utilizing persuasive thinking techniques, I hope to achieve this goal and secure his enrollment in the chosen school.
Unfortunately, our family business is struggling due to the sluggish economy in our area. We are overextending ourselves financially and need to find ways to improve efficiency.
The scientific thinking process will enable my family to determine how to make our business more efficient during the economic recession in our area. It provides factual information that has been proven to work for others.
Using Persuasive Thinking
The persuasive thinking technique will be used to influence the decisions of the Board of Education regarding my child’s school for next year. I will utilize my knowledge in persuasive thinking to demonstrate to the Board that their current school lacks an autism support learning group, which is a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The school was chosen by an autism specialist who is a psychiatrist that treats children with autism and related disorders. According to data provided by Swartz (2012), autistic children who attend classes with autism support learning groups have a 75% chance of obtaining more information, learning necessary materials, and gaining an overall better education. I will avoid biases in persuasive thinking and answer questions honestly and objectively.
I must present my knowledge and information with a likable presence. This means explaining my motivation without biases and listening to and answering the Board of Education’s questions with an open mind. To provide logical data to the Board of Education, I will use a rational appeal approach by giving facts and proof that my child will benefit from attending a school with an autism learning support group. Additionally, using emotional appeal and discussing aspects of my problem will allow me to state my problem and solution in a way that appeals to parents who want their child to receive a good education.
Using Scientific Thinking
Our business needs to be more efficient in order to survive the current recession in our area. To achieve this, I will implement scientific thinking, which involves rational thinking and reliance on actual facts. It’s important that the business doesn’t spend more money than it makes; otherwise, it will continue to operate without profits and ultimately fail. A rational approach to this situation is to decrease spending in the business budget and establish a stricter spending plan. One effective way of reducing the spending budget is by eliminating wasteful expenses.
One solution for businesses to save money is to rent office space only when needed, which according to business records and data, is about seven to ten times a week over a five year period. Another solution is to increase legal services by 10%, as the services provided by our legal business are greatly reduced compared to other law firms. By budgeting and eliminating wasteful spending, more finances can be invested in advertising, which has been proven to help small businesses gain financial stability and build a brand (Advertising Research Foundation, 2011).
The solution to the problem of my child attending a school with an autism support learning center is to persuade the Board of Education using persuasive thinking skills. These skills include presenting factual information that supports the persuasive argument, such as recommendations from a doctor who specializes in autism diagnosis, the federal law of the Americans with Disabilities Act that specifies special needs children receive modifications in the classroom, and data from a study conducted about a learning support group. I will also present data showing that his current school does not provide adequate support as required by law.
Another solution is to be objective, honest, and not present biases while appealing to reason. This approach will help solve the problem by offering information in a rational manner that the Board of Education can understand and act upon as required by law.
The second problem faced by our family business in a sluggish economy has multiple solutions to improve efficiency and increase profits. One solution using scientific thinking is to eliminate wasteful and unnecessary spending through reducing operational costs and budgets.
The firm must invest more in advertising as it has been proven to expand businesses and increase profits. Additionally, the firm should increase the price of its services to compete with other competitors and increase profits since it is currently undercharging for its services. These solutions will solve the problem by enabling the firm to reduce costs, gain more clients, and generate more revenue from its services.
Conclusion
Problem-solving requires critical thinking skills in persuasion and scientific thinking to gather information and facts, and rationally determine a solution that will solve problems. By using these techniques, problem-solving becomes more effective, providing a greater understanding of the issue at hand and leading to better solutions.
