<P> The following techniques are usually called problem - solving strategies' </P> <Ul> <Li> Abstraction: solving the problem in a model of the system before applying it to the real system </Li> <Li> Analogy: using a solution that solves an analogous problem </Li> <Li> Brainstorming: (especially among groups of people) suggesting a large number of solutions or ideas and combining and developing them until an optimum solution is found </Li> <Li> Divide and conquer: breaking down a large, complex problem into smaller, solvable problems </Li> <Li> Hypothesis testing: assuming a possible explanation to the problem and trying to prove (or, in some contexts, disprove) the assumption </Li> <Li> Lateral thinking: approaching solutions indirectly and creatively </Li> <Li> Means - ends analysis: choosing an action at each step to move closer to the goal </Li> <Li> Method of focal objects: synthesizing seemingly non-matching characteristics of different objects into something new </Li> <Li> Morphological analysis: assessing the output and interactions of an entire system </Li> <Li> Proof: try to prove that the problem cannot be solved . The point where the proof fails will be the starting point for solving it </Li> <Li> Reduction: transforming the problem into another problem for which solutions exist </Li> <Li> Research: employing existing ideas or adapting existing solutions to similar problems </Li> <Li> Root cause analysis: identifying the cause of a problem </Li> <Li> Trial - and - error: testing possible solutions until the right one is found </Li> </Ul> <Li> Abstraction: solving the problem in a model of the system before applying it to the real system </Li> <Li> Analogy: using a solution that solves an analogous problem </Li>

Use of problem solving technique in computer field