Decision Making System

You cannot describe or teach what the complete method of creative problem solving and decision making model, method, or guide is without having supporting ingredients, as it is really a system. This system needs to be explained. These ingredients 12, 13, and 14 of SM-14 should be reviewed before and while proceeding through Stages 1 to 11. Since SM-14 has these supporting ingredients, it is an excellent teaching method for all methods of problem solving and decision making, no matter what they may be called!

The Supporting Ingredients Are Action Methods

When they are applied to any of the mental activity Stages 1 to 11, they can help solve or decide. This is in contrast to Stages 1 to 11, which are subject neutral and merely guides to the mental activities of problem solving and decision making. The supporting ingredients are described here.

Decision Making Model - What You Should Do

If you are currently working on a decision, follow the stages of SM-14. Use the intuitive background you have already developed as you proceed. Read the supporting ingredients to get the idea of the whole SM-14 system. As you have time, study and practice decision making using the material in these supporting ingredients while working on Stages 1 to 11.

Creative Decision Making Methods

Creativity is often described as taking two existing ideas and combining them into a new and better idea. Here are some methods to use to be more creative:

• The method of reflective thinking - see Stage 5
• The method of triggers - see Stage 5
• The method of rest-illumination - see Stage 5
• The method of brainstorming - see books on creativity
• The method of innovation - see Stage 5

Those who wish to learn more about how to become more creative should write to the Creative Education Foundation for their literature at 289 Bay Road, Hadley, MA 01035.

Non-logical Methods

This is a catch-all class for methods not normally considered logical. It may, on first impression, seem odd to use non-logical methods, but everyone uses them all the time. Time is often the main reason they are used. Examples are guesses, assumptions, habits, emotions, trial and error, arbitrariness, closed mindedness, experimenting, opinions, risk taking, intuition, fictions, etc. In using non-logical methods, be alert to how they affect the accuracy of your research, judgment and decision making.

Logical Methods

Any method based on sound reasoning is classified here as logical. Taking a course in formal logic at a college or university is desirable for those who will be doing research or complex problem solving and decision making.

Usually, however, people use "semi-intuitive" logic resulting from their base of experiences, thinking skills, and knowledge.

Psychologists have identified many areas where people think they are making correct decisions or reasoning rationally or logically but consistently make errors. See "Behavior Decision Theory" for some of these.

Some examples of well-known logical methods based on reasoning and experience are controlling variables, surveying, falsification, reviewing the literature, pattern identification, classifying, weighing the evidence, diagramming, avoidance of fallacies, precise definitions, and argument structuring.

Technical Methods

No standard exists to determine what methods to term "technical." A method involving measuring, mathematics, use of tools, instruments, and apparatus can be termed "technical." Some authors point out that these technical methods are really the only ones that can accurately be called methods of science or scientific methods, since most others are used in all fields. A few examples of technical methods are

• Artificial intelligence
• Modeling
• Automation
• Measuring procedures
• Use of higher mathematics
• Engineering
• Genetics
• Solid state electronics
• Nuclear power
• Robot design

Often the term "apply scientific methods" is used. People may mean:

• Apply the technical methods that have been closely associated with scientists.
• Apply the scientific method, its stages and supporting ingredients.
• Any method as long as it is used with the care and thoroughness that has come to be associated with the word scientist or scientifically.

Your Own Methods

In problem solving and decision making, there are thousands to millions of various methods used. Some are well known and used repeatedly, but others are created daily by problem solvers. You may want to originate your own methods in your decision making activities.

Managerial Decision Making - Planning Room - Creative Destruction

New creative, logical, and technical methods lead to new business and industry and the death or decline of others. Establish a room or center devoted to innovation and planning for changes that are coming.

Next . . . Methods are effective in decision making, but you must apply them properly. Ingredient 13 covers procedural principles and theories.