Specifying the problem

Defining a problem means narrowing down a vague difficulty into a specific, testable description of a situation requiring action.

Definition

Specifying the problem helps separate symptoms from mechanism, emotions from facts, and general tension from a specific task. A good problem statement indicates what is happening, where, when, with what frequency, for whom and with what effect. This is the stage before choosing tools and strategies.

Key ideas

Missing key ideas.

Practice and life

Write down the problem in one sentence according to the following pattern: "In situation X, Y happens, which causes Z." Then remove ratings and labels from the description.

Common misunderstanding

It is a mistake to solve a problem before you know what exactly it is. A common mistake is to use generalities such as "everything is bad."

Questions for self-reflection

No questions for self-reflection.

Sources

No sources.