【Information I】Problem Solving in Information Society: Perfect Study Guide
Hello everyone! You might be thinking, "Isn't an Informatics class just about learning how to use a computer?" However, one of the most critical areas for the "Information I" section of the Common Test is "Problem Solving in Information Society."
It might sound difficult, but it's actually about learning the ultimate way of thinking—"How can I use information technology to solve the problems I face right now?"—which is a skill you can use in your daily life. It might feel a bit tough at first, but if you grasp the key points, you'll be fine. Let's learn and have fun together!
1. Steps of "Problem" and "Solution"
First of all, what exactly is a "problem"? In Information I, a problem is defined as the gap between the "ideal (how things should be)" and "reality."
■ The Basic Flow of Problem Solving
To solve a problem, it's efficient to follow these four steps rather than just acting blindly:
1. Problem Discovery: Identify what the issue is by finding the gap between the ideal and reality.
2. Problem Analysis: Investigate why the problem is occurring using data.
3. Formulation and Implementation of Solutions: Think of how to solve it and put it into action.
4. Evaluation and Improvement: Check the results and apply them to the next steps.
★ Key Point:
The "order" of these steps is frequently tested. Be careful, because reversing the order—like "analyze first, then discover"—is incorrect!
【Trivia】
Do you know the difference between a "problem" and a "task"? A "problem" is the gap itself that needs to be solved. The "specific things you need to do" to fill that gap are called "tasks."
2. Making Problems Concrete (Problem Discovery and Analysis)
To solve a problem, you must first clarify what exactly the problem is. The key here is analysis based on "data," not just "subjective opinion."
(1) Quantitative Data vs. Qualitative Data
There are two types of data used for analysis:
・Quantitative Data: Data that can be expressed in numbers (e.g., test scores, temperature, sales, etc.).
・Qualitative Data: Data that cannot be expressed in numbers, such as words or descriptions of conditions (e.g., survey comments, interview responses, etc.).
【Common Mistake】
People often think all "survey results" are quantitative, but if it's a "5-point scale," it's quantitative, while "free-text comments" are qualitative. Make sure you can tell the difference!
(2) Thinking in a Structured Way
Complex problems are easier to understand if you break them down into smaller parts. For example, if you have the problem "My test scores are low," you can break it down into smaller components: "Is my study time insufficient?" or "Are my problem-solving methods wrong?"
3. Brainstorming Ideas (Formulating Solutions)
To find good solutions, it's important to come up with many ideas. A famous method for this is Brainstorming.
■ The 4 Rules of Brainstorming
1. No Criticism: Don't deny any ideas, even if they seem strange.
2. Free-wheeling: Welcome wild and unconventional ideas.
3. Quantity over Quality: Start by coming up with as many as possible.
4. Combination and Improvement: Add to or combine other people's ideas.
★ Memorization Tip:
Remember it as: "Don't deny," "Don't worry about being silly," "Just keep them coming," and "Combine them!"
4. Executing and Evaluating (PDCA Cycle)
The process doesn't end with just implementing a solution. In the information society, it is essential to keep the "PDCA Cycle" running.
P (Plan): Make a plan.
D (Do): Execute the plan.
C (Check): Evaluate and confirm the results.
A (Act): Improve based on the findings.
【Example from Daily Life】
Let’s think about going on a diet.
P: To lose 2kg in a month, I'll plan to walk for 30 minutes every day.
D: I actually try walking.
C: After one week, I checked the scale and only lost 0.1kg (Why?).
A: Maybe the walking time is too short! I'll increase it to 40 minutes next time.
Even if you don't succeed on the first try, you get closer to your goal by repeating "C (Check)" and "A (Act)."
5. Utilizing Information Technology (IT)
In modern problem-solving, IT is indispensable. Let's summarize the benefits of using IT:
・Simulation: Conducting experiments on a computer that would be difficult in real life (e.g., evacuation drills, weather forecasting).
・Efficiency: Completing calculations or tasks that would take humans a long time in an instant.
・Sharing: Collaborating with people in distant locations simultaneously using tools like the cloud.
★ Key Point:
IT is not a magic wand. As the saying "Garbage In, Garbage Out (GIGO)" goes, if you input trashy data, you'll only get trashy results. Handling data correctly is what matters most.
Summary: Reviewing this Chapter
Finally, let's review the important points!
・A problem is the gap between "ideal" and "reality."
・The basic steps of problem solving are "Discovery → Analysis → Planning → Evaluation."
・Analysis uses "Quantitative (numbers)" and "Qualitative (words)" data.
・When brainstorming solutions, be "free and open-minded!"
・Keep the "PDCA cycle" moving to ensure continuous improvement.
Problem-solving in the information society is not just for tests—it's knowledge that will definitely be useful in the future when you face challenges at work or in life. Start by thinking about, "What is the gap between my current ideal and my reality?"