Final answer:
Effective problem-solving involves the combination of critical thinking, which analyzes and evaluates information to form judgments, and creative thinking, which generates unique solutions. Critical thinking involves gathering information, while creative thinking requires divergent thinking and is often linked to intelligence. Together, they provide a comprehensive approach to tackling complex issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
Using Critical and Creative Thinking in Problem Solving
Problem-solving is a crucial skill that involves both critical thinking and creative thinking. To use critical thinking, one must gather relevant information about the problem and analyze and evaluate evidence to form a judgment. This involves asking probing questions, considering different viewpoints, and, ultimately, reaching an informed conclusion that can help in deciding which option to choose when solving issues such as resource allocation and pollution. It's about being thorough, skeptical of initial impressions, and willing to consider evidence over personal biases.
Creative thinking, on the other hand, involves divergent thinking or thinking 'outside the box.' It allows for the generation of unique, multiple solutions to a given problem, using strategies like trial and error, applying algorithms, or using heuristics. Creativity is often a facet of intelligence and requires lateral thinking and insight, especially when confronting roadblocks like mental set or functional fixedness.
Both critical and creative thinking are essential for problem-solving. They complement each other; while critical thinking helps to narrow down the choices by eliminating unfeasible options through analysis, creative thinking expands the potential solutions with novel ideas. Hence, employing both methods systematically increases the chances of resolving a problem effectively.