Problem Solving/Reasoning
Having problem solving/reasoning skills will enable you to to approach
your research or any other activity with greater confidence that you have
thoroughly considered all approaches and possible problems and solutions. It
allows you to interpret your results correctly and support your conclusions
with valid arguments.
The APS
and the Association of Chairs of
Departments of Physiology recommend that trainees understand the
importance of and work to develop the following problem solving/reasoning skills:
|
a. |
Ability to conceptualize problems
|
|
b. |
Ability to brainstorm (and question) ideas in a group |
|
c. |
Ability to combine and integrate information from disparate sources
|
|
d. |
Ability to break down and understand complex content
|
|
e. |
Ability to solve problems by staying current and up-to-date in new
technologies |
|
f. |
Ability to use troubleshooting skills |
|
g. |
Ability to identify irregular results |
|
h. |
Ability to evaluate hypotheses and data critically |
|
i. |
Ability to reach and defend independent conclusions |
|
j. |
Knowledge of appropriate qualitative approaches to research problems |
|
k. |
Ability to express a problem or solution using quantitative approaches |
|
l. |
Ability to generate multiple solutions |
|
m. |
Ability to develop creative solutions (divergent thinking)
|
|
n. |
Ability to support a position or viewpoint with argumentation and logic |
|
o. |
Ability to interpret data validly |
(from the APS/ACDP
List of Professional Skills for Physiologists and Trainees)
Here are
a variety of web sites with information that you
might find useful.*
Conceptualizing/Brainstorming
A Perfect
Brainstorm
Inc. Magazine, Oct. 2003
Brainstorming
James Manktelow, Mind Tools
Brainstorming
Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Brainstorming
Colin Bates, WebMarketingEzine
Building a System Dynamics Model. Part 1: Conceptualization
Stephanie Albin, MIT System Dynamics in Education Project
Conceptualizing &
Problem
Formation
In: Research Methods
Knowledge Base
William M.K. Trochim, Cornell University
Curious Observation
and
Helpful Information on Creativity
Norman W. Edmund, Edmund Scientific
Back to Index
Integrating/Understanding
Concept Mapping
Eric Plotnick, ERIC Clearinghouse on Information and Technology
Drill Down
- Breaking Problems Down Into Manageable Parts
Mind Tools
Thinking
Critically
Organizing and Integrating Information
Reading and
Understanding Texts
Learning Skills Program, University of Victoria, British Columbia
Search, Explore, &
Gather the Evidence
Norman W. Edmund, Edmund Scientific
Back to Index
Solving Problems
Challenge the
Hypothesis
and
Evaluate the
Evidence
Norman W. Edmund, Edmund Scientific
Divergent Thinking Abilities
Leslie Owen Wilson, University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point
Problem Solving in Teaching Technology
Chapter 2.6 in Education About and Through Technology
Esa-Matti Järvinen, Oulu University Library, Finland
Strategies of Divergent Thinking
The Writer's Workshop: Skills for Success
Evelyn S. Zent, University of Washington
Back to Index
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting-Theory and Practice (Chapter 8)
All About Circuits.com
Troubleshooting Tips (general)
Steve Litt
Troubleshooting
Guides
(links to guides for specific techniques and instruments)
US Fish & Wildlife Service
TroubleShooting Section
(for specific techniques)
Biowww.net
Back to Index
Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches
Pitfalls
of Data Analysis
Clay Helberg, University of Wisconsin Schools of Nursing and Medicine
Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches
from Chapter 3: Collecting the Data
Research Methods and Statistics (PESS202)
School of Psychology, University of New England, Australia
Qualitative/Quantitative Research
Del Siegle, University of Connecticut
This Is The Scientific Method
Norman W. Edmund
Back to Index
Experimental Errors
Chapter 3. Experimental Errors and Error Analysis
from Mathematica. Experimental Data Analyst
Wolfram Research, Inc.
Experimental Errors
and Data Analysis
J.C. de Paula, Haverford College
Laboratory 0: Error Analysis
from Virtual Labs, Real Data
Cornell University
Measurement Errors
Appendix A: Handling Measurements
from Doing Science: An Introduction to Physical Science
Susan Wyckoff, Arizona State University
Back to Index
Interpreting Data
Pitfalls
of Data Analysis
Clay Helberg, University of Wisconsin Schools of Nursing and Medicine
Quantitative Research Methods
Electronic Resources for Research Methods, InformationR.net
The Prism Guide to Interpreting Statistical Results
GraphPad.com
Using Statistics to Compare Groups
B. Baldwin, Southeastern Louisiana University
Back to Index
Evaluating Hypothesis and Data
Chapter 15: Science and Hypothesis
from Practical Reasoning (PHIL110)
Chang-Seong Hong, Minnesota State University Moorhead
An Introduction to the
Experimental Method
Chapter 5 from A Judge's Deskbook on the Basic Philosopies and Methods
of Science,
Shirley A. Dobbin and Sophia I. Gatowski, University of Nevada, Reno
Scientific Explanation
Garth Kemerling
This Is The Scientific Method
Norman W. Edmund
Back to Index
Defending Conclusions
Experimental Errors
and Data Analysis
J.C. de Paula, Haverford College
Logical Fallacies
Literacy Education Online, St. Cloud State University
Organizing Your Argument
Purdue University Writing Lab
Reasoning: Arguing Cogently
David Roberts, University of Richmond
Threats to Conclusion Validity
William M.K. Trochim, Research Methods Knowledge Base
Back to Index
*APS does not endorse or assume responsibility for the information posted
on these web sites.
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