Problem Solving and Action

Example
PHL/251
CRITICAL THINKING

Description of the Problem

The problem:

The recent outbreak of the swine flu is concerning Mr.

Tibbs. Mr. Tibbs conducts 90% of his sales face-to-face,
and his customers, who are all over the country, expect to
see h0im at least once a month. Planes are enclosed and
diseases spread rapidly in that type of environment.
Mr. Tibbs needs to decide whether or not to curtail his
trips until the outbreak has passed.
Your description may be this simple, or more complex. Be
as detailed as possible.

Problem-solving Technique
Mr. Tibbs can use either persuasive or scientific

thinking to solve this problem.

Mr. Tibbs chose the scientific method, because the

problem is a medically-based issue, and there are

numerous facts available to assist in the decisionmaking process.

Problem-solving Technique
The scientific method employs rational thinking and

a collection of actual facts.

In the case of a flu outbreak it is important to focus on the
facts, rather than the opinions that might be present in
the public reaction to illness.
Mr. Tibbs flies often and is able to observe fellow
passengers during travel and the people he services once
he arrives.
There is a great deal of factual information available
regarding the prevention of the flu.

Solution to the Problem

Mr. Tibbs will continue to fly, but he will take the

following precautions:
Wear a mask on the airplane
Increase his nutritional intake to boost his immune
system
Wash his hands frequently
Avoid close contact with others

Reconstruct the Decision Making

Using the scientific method, Mr. Tibbs determined

the following:
Observation: Although the news has makes it appear that
many people are ill, Mr. Tibbs has only observed a few
people displaying flu-like symptoms during his last trip.
Hypothesis: The news may be over-focusing on the flu,
and the public may be over-reacting to the likelihood of a
healthy individual contracting the flu.
Experimentation: Mr. Tibbs completes two trips with
precautionary measures taken.
Verification: Mr. Tibbs is still healthy.

Reconstruct the Decision-making

Logical or Emotional:

The decision to continue flying is logical.

Mr. Tibbs evaluated his observations and the results of his

two experiments in flying based on clear and factual
criterion, not emotions or opinions.
Fact #1: Mr. Tibbs cannot maintain his business unless he
continues meeting with his clients.
Fact #2: The high reported incidents of flu do not match Mr.
Tibbs personal observations while flying.
Fact #3: Using the precautionary measures to reduce the
likelihood of getting flu is supported by valid research
Fact #3: After flying twice, Mr. Tibbs is still healthy.

Evaluate the Decision

Currently, the decision can be regarded as logical.

Mr. Tibbs has flown twice and not contracted the flu.

The decision did solve the problem.

Mr. Tibbs was able to continue conducting business.

Mr. Tibbs reduced his chances of contracting the flu by
taking extra precautions.
The decision can be re-evaluated each time Mr.

Tibbs flies.

Each time Mr. Tibbs flies, he can determine if he has

contracted the flu or not.

References
Be sure to provide a list of any references used.