Problem, well-defined»poorly-defined

The former is a problem in which the goal is clearly identified, and so is the path by which that goal may be reached, usually having a single correct answer – if there is more than one correct answer, the number or range of solutions will be severely restricted and can be precisely specified.

In the latter case the goal is vague or incomplete and therefore not clearly defined – there may be more than one potential goal – and there are likely to be many paths to the goal, many possible correct answers, posing substantial difficulties in evaluating possible solutions in an effort to decide which is best.

Examples of well-defined problems are: hanging a picture on the wall, stopping a household tap from dripping, crossing the street – what is to be done and what tools (intellectual or physical) are required to achieve it is definite and unambiguous.

Ill-defined problems include: housing the country’s homeless people, finding the right job, deciding who to marry or ‘be with’ (so as to have a satisfying, sustainable relationship), writing a ‘great’ book, and so on.

Life is full of poorly-defined problems. The more specific we can be about the goal – what is to be achieved – the better.

Problem-solving consists (from case-to-case in one degree or another) of four basic elements:

1.     A goal or description of what would be accepted as a solution to the problem specified;

2.     Available objects, tools, materials, or other resources which can be brought to bear to achieve the goal;

3.     Actions or sets of operations which can be taken in pursuit of the goal;

4.     Limitations and rules which cannot be violated in solving the problem.