Application of a theory or formula

In this case the problem being dealt with has been solved before by standard routines that have been well tested. An example would be detective stories, which usually follow variations on a standard pattern.

A crime has been committed, a detective knows, guesses, or tries to get information on who did it. He or she then follows up the information until the criminal is caught. The difference between one detective story and another is basically the personality of the detective, and the nature of the crimes.
The 'Problem solving technique' is:

• Identify the object being sought.
  

• Look for clues and information about it.
  

• Follow these up.

Apart from Detective stories, it could equally be used for scientists looking for a cure to a disease, hunters looking for prey, or even someone wanting to attract someone else.

Definition: Detection

Revising a hypothesis

The problem has some unusual aspects that do not fit the standard procedures. It might be a science fiction idea where people are disappearing in unexplainable circumstances. At first it is treated as though an ordinary crime but the events require rethinking to take into consideration events out of the norm.

The problem solving technique is:

• Look for the pattern of solving this type of problem.
  

• If it does not fit the usual patterns, reconsider the patterns and put forward possible explanations.
  

• Test the new hypothesis against the known facts.
  

• If they fit then follow it up, if not, then reject the hypothesis.

This is very much in line with Sherlock Holmes approach, as most of his crime cases had unusual aspects about them. It could again be applied to science fiction, and would be common to stories about the paranormal where unexplainable events defy normal reasoning.

Definition: Hypothesis