Defining the Problem

Welcome to my blog. Happy Juneteenth. Let’s celebrate freedom and justice.

In my last post, I introduced you to my favorite technique for solving a problem, the five-step reflective thinking method. The first step of this method is defining the problem using a question of policy. When put in writing or spoken formally, questions of policy usually include the word should.

Examples of questions of policy include:

What measures should be taken to protect children using the Internet against cyber terrorism?

What step should be taken to ensure that all Americans receive adequate health care?

Two components are necessary to define a problem. First, participants must analyze a question of policy. In essence, participants must determine if there is a serious problem that requires a change in policy from the current policy.

The second part of defining the problem is to explain your plan for solving it. Your plan should be practical.

Questions of policy should never be yes or no questions? Questions that can be answered with a yes or no lead to absolutes and arguments, not plans for dealing with the issue.

A final example of a question of policy:

What measures should schools take to deal with protecting children from the Coronavirus?

Consider how you will write a question of policy for our current unrest in the United States.

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