Description
Assignment
Let’s face it: We all encounter problems, whether at work or school. Some challenges are small, like deciding what to wear to work. Other challenges are more substantial, like deciding whether to find a new job. Regardless of the situation, you need to be able to solve problems. This week, you learned about a 4-step process that you can use to overcome challenges and solve problems. This process involves identifying the problem, investigating possible solutions, implementing a solution, and evaluating the effectiveness of the solution. For this assessment, you will respond to questions in which you apply problem-solving strategies.
Preparation
You might find it helpful to review your Week 2 assignment and faculty feedback before completing this assessment.
Assessment Deliverable
Download and complete the Problem-Solving Worksheet. In this worksheet, you will select a problem or challenge you are facing at work or school. Then, you will apply problem-solving strategies to explore ways to address the challenge you identified.
Submit your assessment by uploading your completed worksheet. Your worksheet must be submitted as a Microsoft Word document. Type your answers directly into the worksheet. Do not type your assessment in the submission message box.
Assessment Support
Review the rubric for guidance on deliverable expectations.
Watch “How To Submit an Assignment in Blackboard Ultra” for more information on how to submit your assignment.
Unformatted Attachment Preview
PSY/110 v6
Problem-Solving Worksheet
Think about some of the problems or challenges you face in your academic and professional life and how
you go about solving these problems. Read the overview and complete all parts of this worksheet.
Overview
For this worksheet, you will complete four steps to apply problem-solving strategies that help you address
a problem you are facing at work or school. The steps are as follows:
1. Take some time to identify a specific work- or academic-related problem in your life. Be mindful
that identifying the actual problem can take some self-reflection. Be sure to identify the core of the
problem as opposed to only the symptoms of the problem. This can sometimes be a bit
challenging.
2. After you identify the problem, investigate the possible solutions. Provide three unique solutions
for your problem and provide 2 advantages and 2 disadvantages related to each solution you
shared.
3. After considering the advantages and disadvantages of each solution, pick the solution you feel is
best to address your problem, explain the reasons for your selection, and share how you plan to
implement your solution.
4. Finally, describe when and how you can evaluate if the selected solution was an effective way to
address your problem.
Before you begin, review the sample responses below.
Sample Responses
Step 1: Identify: Determine what problem or challenge you are
trying to solve.
In Column 1, identify the work- or school-related problem or challenge you would like to solve.
In Column 2, describe the effects this problem has on your life (i.e., the symptoms of the problem).
In Column 3, explain the challenges or barriers you face that contribute to this problem.
Specific Problem
I keep procrastinating on
my weekly discussion
posts.
Effects (Symptoms) of This
Problem on Your Life
Challenges or Barriers That
Contribute to This Problem
As a student, full-time mom, and fulltime employee, I find many challenges
in submitting my discussion posts on
time. This has caused me to lose
points, lowering my overall grade. I am
also anxious and losing sleep over
this. There have been some small
family conflicts because I feel irritable
from this as well.
I have three young children at home
and I work full-time in retail with
unpredictable hours. After my kids get
home from school, they need
homework help and want all my
attention. Also, discussions are worth
fewer overall points than some of the
other assignments, so they usually
end up getting done last (or not at all).
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Problem-Solving Worksheet
PSY/110 v6
Page 2 of 5
Step 2: Investigate: Consider three possible solutions and their
value (advantages and disadvantages).
Identify three possible solutions for your problem.
In Column 1 of each table, list at least two advantages of the solution.
In Column 2 of each table, list at least two disadvantages of the solution.
Solution 1
Enter solution 1 here: I can start working on my assignments earlier in the week.
Advantages
Disadvantages
I have a better chance of not being late.
My work schedule may not allow for early
submission.
I will have more time for other activities later in the
week.
My kids’ school and soccer schedules may keep me
from focusing on my assignments early in the week.
I will feel less stress when assignments are due.
I might be too tired from working late.
Solution 2
Enter solution 2 here: I can create and use a time management chart/calendar on my phone.
Advantages
Disadvantages
I have my phone on me all the time and this will
allow me to stay on track by using the reminders on
my phone.
My schedule on the calendar might change.
Using my phone calendar will help me create better
time management habits.
My phone might lose battery, get broken, or
encounter internet challenges.
The phone calendar allows me to see what my day
looks like, and this will help not only with school, but
with work and family.
I might add too many things on my calendar and
start to lose track.
Solution 3
Enter solution 3 here: I can stop overextending myself.
Advantages
Disadvantages
This will allow me to make sure my priorities are
balanced.
Work is so busy that I might not be able to take
anything off my plate.
It will free up enough time to schedule in schoolwork.
I will feel guilty saying “no.”
It will allow for flexibility if something comes up.
What if I get fired for delegating some of my work to
others?
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Problem-Solving Worksheet
PSY/110 v6
Page 3 of 5
Step 3: Implement: Select a solution to apply to the problem.
In Column 1, select one solution based on the possible solutions you identified above and explain the
reasons for your selection. (Keep in mind that sometimes the best approach is a combination of possible
solutions.)
In Column 2, describe the actions you can take to put this solution to work.
Solution and Rationale
Actions You Can Take
For my busy schedule, starting my assignments
earlier in the week and using a calendar will help. I
think finding time at the beginning of the week to
focus on school will ensure that my assignments are
not submitted late. Also, if I have questions or
technical difficulties, I will be able to reach out and
resolve them with plenty of time. Using a calendar
on my phone and at home will help keep all my
activities organized, and I can now visually see when
things are due.
I will start by using my calendar to place each
homework activity starting on Tuesday night. I will
make sure to include at least 1 hour a night to read
over material and choose Friday to complete my
assignment. Lastly, I will choose 2 days (Tuesday
and Thursday) to complete my discussion
responses.
Step 4: Evaluate: Review how well the solution addressed the
problem and determine next steps.
In Column 1, identify when and how you will evaluate the effectiveness of your solution. Consider how
much time you will need to properly evaluate the success of your approach, as well as what you will be
looking for to know if the solution is working.
In Column 2, explain what you will do if you determine the solution is not working.
Evaluation of Solution (When and How)
Next Steps if Solution Isn’t Working
After each week I can evaluate if I was successful
getting all three discussion posts done by Monday at
the end of the online week. After three weeks, I will
see if I have lost any discussion points.
If my solutions are not working after a few weeks of
evaluation, I will go back to Step 2 to look through
other solution options and maybe brainstorm some
more options to analyze. After doing so, I will modify
my calendar by changing a few activities around.
Additionally, I will continue to monitor this change to
determine how effectively it is working.
Copyright 2023 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved.
Problem-Solving Worksheet
PSY/110 v6
Page 4 of 5
Your Responses
Now it’s your turn.
Complete Steps 1–4 below to identify and investigate a work- or academic-related problem in your own
life, and then implement and evaluate a possible solution.
Step 1: Identify: Determine what problem or challenge you are
trying to solve.
In Column 1, identify the work- or school-related problem or challenge you would like to solve.
In Column 2, describe the effects this problem has on your life (i.e., the symptoms of the problem).
In Column 3, explain the challenges or barriers you face that contribute to this problem.
Effects (Symptoms) of This
Problem on Your Life
Specific Problem
I have a hard time
focusing on assignments
because my kids are
watching cartoons in the
same room.
Challenges or Barriers That
Contribute to This Problem
I often miss things in the assignment,
and have to go over the details
more than three times to ensure it
is done properly.
Step 2: Investigate: Consider 3 possible solutions and their value
(advantages and disadvantages).
Identify three possible solutions for your problem.
In Column 1 of each table, list at least two advantages of the solution.
In Column 2 of each table, list at least two disadvantages of the solution.
Solution 1
Enter solution 1 here:
Advantages
Disadvantages
Solution 2
Enter solution 2 here:
Advantages
Disadvantages
Solution 3
Enter solution 3 here:
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Problem-Solving Worksheet
PSY/110 v6
Page 5 of 5
Advantages
Disadvantages
Step 3: Implement: Select a solution to apply to the problem.
In Column 1, select one solution based on the possible solutions you identified in Step 2 and explain the
reasons for your selection. (Keep in mind that sometimes the best approach is a combination of possible
solutions.)
In Column 2, describe the actions you can take to put this solution to work.
Solution and Rationale
Actions You Can Take
Step 4: Evaluate: Review how well the solution addressed the
problem and determine next steps.
In Column 1, identify when and how you will evaluate the effectiveness of your solution. Consider how
much time you will need to properly evaluate the success of your approach, as well as what you will be
looking for to know if the solution is working.
In Column 2, explain what you will do if you determine the solution is not working.
Evaluation of Solution (When and How)
Next Steps if Solution Isn’t Working
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