Problem-solving questions are a type of inquiry designed to stimulate critical thinking, creativity, and analytical skills. These questions present scenarios or challenges that require the respondent to apply knowledge, reasoning, and sometimes unconventional thinking to arrive at a solution.
Characteristics of effective problem-solving questions:
- Open-ended nature
- Real-world relevance
- Multiple possible solutions
- Requirement for analysis and synthesis of information
- Encouragement of creative thinking
- Promotion of decision-making skills
Examples of problem-solving questions in different contexts:
- Business: “How would you increase market share for a declining product?”
- Education: “What strategies could be implemented to improve student engagement in online learning?”
- Science: “How might we reduce plastic waste in oceans?”
Problem-solving questions are valuable tools in education, job interviews, and various professional fields as they assess an individual’s ability to think critically and apply knowledge in practical situations.
