Final answer:
Problem solving refers to a set of processes focused on overcoming obstacles to find a solution. It involves various steps and requires creativity, insight, and a structured approach to reach the intended goal. Creativity aids in problem-solving by promoting divergent thinking while being aware of potential obstacles can improve the problem-solving process.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Problem Solving-
The concept you are referring to, which is a set of processes aimed at overcoming obstacles to find a solution, is called problem solving. Problem solving involves a variety of strategic steps and requires creativity, insight, and systematic efforts to achieve the desired goal. Steps often include defining the problem, exploring possibilities, brainstorming alternative solutions, and selecting the most effective approach. Engineers, for instance, may use a structured approach during the design process to generate ideas and define problems, ensuring that they find efficient and feasible solutions.
Creativity supports problem solving by enabling divergent thinking, which is thinking 'outside the box' to arrive at multiple unique solutions. Conversely, convergent thinking is about narrowing down options to find the best-established solution. Both approaches can be essential in different stages of problem solving. Trials, errors, algorithms, and heuristics are typical strategies, and one needs to be aware of potential pitfalls like mental sets and functional fixedness, which can inhibit effective problem solving.
Decision making, while related, is specifically about choosing between options, and may or may not be part of the problem-solving process. Finally, engineers employ both creativity and specialized knowledge in math, science, and technology to solve complex problems and achieve their goals.