Problem solving protocol

The steps involved in the problem solving protocol are outlined in Table 6.1. They are rather simple and do not take much time to consider and such a protocol can save time in the long run. The protocol involves steps typical of scientific inquiry collect all the currently known facts determine the nature of the problem state the objective of the study, obtain the correct specimen, be sure to have experimental controls, look at the sample with the naked eye and then with a stereo microscope. These provide an aid to selection of the specific microscopy techniques and preparation methods needed to begin to address the objectives. The result should be that clearly defined analyses are conducted. 

It is essential to know all the facts relating to the problem to be solved. In the worst case someone simply asks you to take a picture and not ask any questions. This sounds and is very simple. However, then you have a picture, you might even have the right picture, but you do not have a solution to the problem The time used to take the picture is likely wasted because the problem still must be discovered and solved. It is important to gather all the relevant facts regarding the 

Problem solving summary Table 7.2 Pol5mner structures 

The steps involved in the problem solving protocol are outlined in Table 7.1. They are rather simple and do not take much time to consider, and such a protocol can save time in the long run. The protocol involves steps typical of sci- 

Collect all the facts/data about the problem, including the chemistry of the polymer and the process used for its formation 

Define the microscopy technique(s) and best specimen preparation methods for imaging and microanalysis 

Take representative images and label those interesting but not representative 

Assess potential artifacts as part of the image interpretation process 

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The most important issues in the solution of structural problems are image interpretation and development of structure-prope relations. Imaging techniques and preparative methods must be chosen that provide images of the needed structures by the most efficient experiments. Several major principles have been emphasized for the imaging of structures. First, the problem solving protocol (Table 7.1) should be considered prior to developing an experimental plan. As part of this protocol the important properties of the material to be studied should be determined and the overall objective of the study developed. The size of the polymer structures required should be determined (Tables... 

The specific microscopy techniques and appropriate preparation methods required to solve structural problems must be selected now that the techniques and the problem solving protocol (Table 6.1) have been considered. The advantages and limitations of these techniques have already been considered but questions still remain. When should optical techniques be utilized in solving polymer structural problems How can experiments be conducted so that it is clear if further study is required Are there any... 

As indicated in Section 2-2, a reaction mechanism moves aU electrons to their logical destinations, generating automatically the structures of the products of the reaction. Thus chemists frequently solve problems by thinking mechanistically —applying a reasonable mechanism to reacting species so as to predict a product. But what does one do if multiple pathways are possible, and each leads to a different product This situation is not at aU uncommon and will likely be troublesome at first, but it may be mastered, with practice, within the WHIP problem-solving protocol. Here are some suggestions ... 

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