On Solving Chemistry Problems

George Bodner, Purdue University

Many people have tried to define problem solving. Perhaps the best definition was introduced by John Hayes in his book, The Complete Problem Solver (The Franklin Institute, 1980).

"Whenever there is a gap between where you are now and where you want to be, and you don't know how to find a way to cross that gap, you have a problem."

If you know what to do when you read a question, it is an exercise, not a problem. The difference between an exercise and a problem is best illustrated by the definition of problem solving introduced by Grayson Wheatley, a mathematics educator. He defined problem solving as "what you do, when you don't know what to do."

Purdue's Rules for Problem Solving:

1. Read the problem.
2. Now read the problem again.
3. Write down what you hope is relevant information.
4. Draw a picture, make a list, or write an equation or formula to help you begin to understand the problem.
5. Try something.
6. Try something else.
7. See where this gets you.
8. Read the problem again.
9. Try something else.
10. See where this gets you.
11. Test intermediate results to see whether you are making any progress towards an answer.
12. Read the problem again.
13. When appropriate, strike your forehead and say "Son of a ..."
14. Write down an answer (not necessarily the answer).
15. Test the answer to see if it makes sense.
16. Start over if you have to, celebrate if you don't.