Critical examination?
Yes, there are times when being critical is a really smart thing to do.
Problem solving is one of them.

This page explains critical examination, one of the problem solving strategies that can also be used for problem solving in the workplace. How to do this one of the problem solving steps is explained.

Critical Examination - what is it?

This one of the problem solving techniques is a bit like doing a jig-saw puzzle of information.

It involves asking 20 questions about the known situation and the possibilities for the future.

The questions are categorised as follows:

The five key areas that this one of the problem solving strategies critically examines are:

* purpose

* place

* sequence

* person

* means

Sometimes the categories of the questions are inappropriate, in which case either leave those questions out or change the categories to match the situation.

For each area, four questions are asked:

* two questions that relate to the present facts.

That is:

~ what?, where?, when?, who?, and how?, and....

~ why? (this technique creates 5 WHYs).

Having examined the present facts, consider alternatives - what COULD be done?

* what else?

* where else?

* when else?

* who else?

* how else?

Sometimes it may be a good idea to BRAINSTORM possibilities here.

Finally, this technique considers what SHOULD be done?

Again, the questions invite the use of other problem solving exercises, as appropriate.

This one of the problem solving steps is a rigorous left brain technique which even when applied to messy emotional problems may create options or new lines of thought to boost motivation, change and success.

Critical examination is simple to do - just do it and see what emerges.
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