The purpose of this study was to relate the model of problem solving process to Jung’s theory of personality types which identifies certain techniques to support individual differences (Huitt, 1992, 1). The study proposes that individual differences determine their approaches towards solving certain problems.
The author recognizes several phases involved in decision making. That is, the input phase, processing phase, output phase and the review phase. He has clearly elaborated on what happens in every step in the decision making process. However, the output phase and the review phase are not clearly distinguished.
These phases can be merged since they are addressing similar processes which are used in implementation of a problem solving process. This is according to the information provided in the article. In other words, there is a need for further clarification between these phases.
Another weakness of this paper lies on its assumptions. Huitt has based his study on Jung’s theory of individual preferences and their approach to solving various problems. This identifies different categories of people and their approaches in solving various problems.
For instance, the sensing individuals are said to pay attention to details and facts and select best solutions which have succeeded before (Huitt, 1992, 13). However, this study did not consider the fact that individuals may display different reactions to similar problems when exposed to different environments. The assumption that the prevailing environment has no impact on the people is critical.
In this study, the researcher has indicated that people who are mainly interested in their inner thoughts takes time to reason and to analyze ideas before they say anything (Haitt, 1992, 12). They take their time to reason and meditate on the situation in order to come up with the best solution. However, this may not always be the case.
We may encounter people who are less sociable and willing to have fewer friends but who may not be patient enough to take time in case of problems. This may be determined by the prevailing situations or other factors. For instance, incase of a big problem which poses a danger to an individual or another person, less time may be taken to react without taking time to weigh the situation.
Huitt’s definition for the problem solving process is questionable. According to Haitt, problem solving process can be seen as the process through which we try to remove obstacles which hinder us from reaching our destination (Haitt, 1992, 5). Haitt defines the problem solving process as the process through which we resolve a gap between the present situation and a certain desired goal, where the path to that goal is blocked by obstacles (Haitt, 1992, 5).
His definition is narrow and need expansion. He claims that the situation under question may not have been encountered earlier or there may not have been any known solution earlier. However, similar problems may reoccur but the previous solutions may fail to resolvable the situation due to changes in other factors. Haitt did not consider such situations. Since the world is dynamic rather than static, there is a need to recognize the fact that these changes affect how people handle different situations.
In order to come up with comprehensive findings, there is a need to take time to search what other scholars have written about the topic. This can only be done through evaluation of the previous literature. This study has failed to emphasize on this aspect of research. It has concentrated on one idea which was raised by Meyer. An intensive review of previous work which has been conducted on effects of individual differences in their problem solving process is vital in this study.
Another shortcoming with this study is that it draws a symmetrical line in people’s behavior with different temperaments. For instance, people oriented towards NT and SJ temperaments are said to be structured, linear, rational and goal oriented while solving problems (Haitt, 1992, 24).
On the other hand, people with NF and SP temperaments are perceived to be tactical creative and more parallel and holistic in problem solving. However, it is not realistic to draw a symmetrical line in the human behavior. There is a need to recognize some cases where we may have people with similar temperaments but having different ways of approaching problems. Haitt did not recognize such situations.
In conclusion, these shortcomings clearly indicate that this study has loopholes which need to be filled in order to make the article more reliable. The article has a satisfactory title which gives the reader an insight of what he or she should expect to find in the body. The abstract provided is also satisfactory and has clearly summarized the content of the research which readers can use to judge whether to read the full, article.
However, this discussion has indicated that there are a number of fields where study suffers shortcomings. These shortcomings are based on the assumptions as well as the key facts proposed by the study. There is a need to re-evaluate the study in order to validate its content. Otherwise the content will be unreliable.
Reference
Huitt, W. (1992). Problem solving and decision making: Consideration of individual differences using the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. Journal of Psychological Type, 24, 33-44.