Scientific approach to problem solving

Using a scientific approach to problem solving is worthwhile. It helps in all parts of your life whether you plan to be a scientist, doctor, businessperson, or writer. 

Most of the applications of artificial intelligence in chemistry so far have not involved numerical computation as a primary goal. Yet there are aspects of the AI approach to problem-solving which have relevance to computation. In scientific computation, one could view the knowledge base as the set of equations, input variable values, and unit conversions relevant to the problem, and the inference engine the numerical method used to solve the equations. This paper describes such a software system,... 

I Scientific methods are systematic approaches to problem solving. 

We have described a very serious problem with life-or-death implications. What should David do next Overlooking for a moment the obvious response of calling the couple s doctor immediately to discuss the possibility of lead poisoning, could David solve the problem by scientific thinking Let s use the three steps of the scientific approach to attack the problem one part at a time. This is important usually we solve complex problems by breaking them down into manageable parts. We can then assemble the solution to the overall problem from the answers we have found "from the parts."... 

In what ways is using a scientific approach to solving a problem similar to approaches you have used in solving problems in everyday life In what ways is it different ... 

Apply a scientific approach to solving this problem. Label each of your steps appropriately. 

Scientists call this process the scientific method. We will discuss it in more detail in the next section. One of life s most important activities is solving problems—not "plug and chug" exercises, but real problems—problems that have new facets to them, that involve things you may have never confronted before. The more creative you are at solving these problems, the more effective you will be in your career and your personal life. Part of the reason for learning chemistry, therefore, is to become a better problem solver. Chemists are usually excellent problem solvers, because to master chemistry, you have to master the scientific approach. Chemical problems are frequently very complicated—there is usually no neat and tidy solution. Often it is difficult to know where to begin. 

The present state of art of CALPHAD is therefore at a high level and it is a very varied and powerful approach to solving problems associated with thermochemistry and phase equilibria. It has been of interest to the present authors to document how a new scientific approach has come to fruition and it echoes a prescient lecture given by Professor Koster on the development of new ideas and concepts in science (Koster 1956). Some excerpts are given below ... 

The basic steps that are taken to solve an analytical problem can be described using the scientific problem-solving approach shown in Figure 2.1. The first step in defining the problem is gaining an understanding of the context of the... 

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