Problem Solving? Then Find Those Gaps

 Problem Solving - Finding Gaps

12/28/2024

Introduction. Solving complex problems often arises from the presence of gaps in knowledge, resources, understanding, or perspectives. These gaps introduce uncertainty, ambiguity, or constraints, making solutions difficult to achieve. Below, we explore the primary types of gaps that complicate problem-solving and their implications. Many are of the technical, informational, theoretical, and social nature. You may discover some of these gaps are also sources of uncertainty in problem-solving, in that they supply us with another list of things that can go wrong based on something missing. Gaps also form a type of impossible problem, that will be discussed in a later chapter. Finally, this essay is about all problems and solutions, not just those of science.

Contents

1. Comprehension Gaps
2. Consistency Gaps
3. Solution-Type Gaps
4. Invisible Gaps
5.  Knowledge and Evidence Gaps
6.  Methodological and Technological Gaps
7. Ethical and Cultural Gaps
8.  Resource and Temporal Gaps
9.  Cognitive and Motivational Gaps
10. Tool Gaps
11. General Gaps

1. Comprehension Gaps

A comprehension gap occurs when the problem itself or its solution is not fully understood. Team dynamics, leadership capabilities, and an underestimation of the problem's complexity often contribute to this issue. For example, tackling climate change without recognizing its multifaceted nature leads to ineffective solutions. If a beltway is to be constructed, the problem-solvers must comprehend the engineering details of bridges and highways, together with land acquisition, contracting, scheduling, budgets, and accounting – not to mention public relations. A lawyer without a consummate knowledge of the law will be trapped by gaps every day.

2. Consistency Gaps

Inconsistencies within data sets, theories, or goals can create barriers to resolving issues, and thus failure to find the solution. For instance, attempting to balance the speed of delivery with high-quality outcomes may result in conflicting priorities, obstructing progress. For a theoretical example, scientists studying climate change encounter inconsistencies between predictive climate models and real-world observations. In marketing, a company is trying to forecast market trends, but two research reports provide contradictory insights: one predicts rising demand, while the other anticipates a decline. In the communications domain, during a crisis, different departments within an organization give conflicting instructions to employees about evacuation procedures. In pharmacology, a research team investigating a new drug uses two testing methods that yield inconsistent results.

3. Solution-Type Gaps

Sometimes, proposed solutions are rejected due to format or human factors. For example, offering a probabilistic solution when a deterministic one is desired can hinder acceptance, as seen in Albert Einstein's resistance to quantum mechanics. Galileo’s heliocentric planetary advocacy was rejected by the Church resulting in his permanent house arrest – because the Church didn’t like it. Many students’ interpretations of poems in English class are rejected because their solutions were deemed wrong. Finding the solution often means finding the right solution. Also, the team leader may insist on a certain type of solution, while the team believes that type is unrealizable.

4. Invisible Gaps

These gaps stem from embedded fallacies or "unknown knowns"—assumptions perceived as true but ultimately false. Such gaps often go unnoticed, complicating reasoning and decision-making. We include formal and informal logical fallacies embedded in your reasoning. Logical fallacies—errors in reasoning that undermine the validity of an argument—can impede effective problem-solving. These fallacies are often categorized into two types: formal fallacies, which violate the structure of a logical argument, and informal fallacies, which involve errors in the content or context of reasoning. Recognizing and avoiding these fallacies is crucial for clear and effective problem-solving. They often go unnoticed even into production stages. Finally, when an invisible gap is discovered, it’s often then called a blunder. A classic example is furnished by the Mars lander that crashed due to a units issue was the Mars Climate Orbiter, which was lost in 1999 because of a mix-up between the metric system used by NASA and the imperial units used by the spacecraft builder, Lockheed Martin. This caused an incorrect trajectory resulting in the crash. We would be amiss by not mentioning the invisible gap of a design that cannot be completed within the allocated budget creating a cost overrun -  a specialty of government contracts.

5. Knowledge and Evidence Gaps

Insufficient understanding or lack of evidence supporting a method's success can stymie progress. For instance, addressing dark matter without enough observational data leaves hypotheses untested. (Of course, dark matter has not been observed.) Marketing experts need to know if the proposed product has a genuine market, how and where to advertise it, who will buy it, and what are the price point options. One particular professional, that of the police detective, lives in a swamp of knowledge and evidence gaps. They must piece together from minute clues solid evidence and do it by regulated methods – though intuition is highly valued equipment. Then present that evidence to be scoured and denied by equally perspicacious opponents, the defense. The great detective is a remarkable problem-solver. Perhaps, this is one reason why the population is so attracted to great detective stories.

Data gaps are important as evidentiary. This means there is insufficient data to give a robust analysis, understanding, or unbiased solution. Similarly, a population gap means the population represented is biased either by omission or commission. For example, (a) A hospital is studying the effectiveness of a new treatment but lacks long-term follow-up data from patients who dropped out of the study; (b) A company conducts a customer satisfaction survey but only gathers responses from urban areas, excluding rural customers; (c) City planners lack up-to-date population density and traffic flow data when designing new infrastructure.

Ignoring such gaps at the beginning of a problem-solution study can imply a cascade of errors throughout the problem-solving process.

6. Methodological and Technological Gaps

When existing methods or technologies are inadequate, solutions remain out of reach. Historical challenges in space exploration due to limited rocket technology exemplify this issue. Methodological gaps arise when the processes, frameworks, or approaches being used are inadequate or inappropriate for solving a given problem. Consider only three examples. (a) Inappropriate methods such as using outdated techniques, (b) Inflexibility such as rigidity to new ideas, and (c) Poor implementation.  Technological gaps occur when the tools, equipment, or technological advancements needed to address a problem are unavailable or insufficient. Include here the following, (a) outdated tools, (b) lack of access, (c) mismatch, as the technology does not align with problem requirements. Methodological and technological gaps often interplay, compounding the difficulty of solving complex problems. Methodological gaps hinder the effectiveness of problem-solving approaches, while technological gaps limit the tools available to implement solutions.

7. Ethical and Cultural Gaps

Conflicts between values, principles, or cultural norms can complicate problem-solving. For example, balancing public safety with individual privacy in surveillance policies highlights ethical dilemmas. Multicultural difficulties seem to always be a problem in social endeavors. This of course highlights one of the roles of a successful team leader.

8. Resource and Temporal Gaps

A lack of resources or time constraints can undermine even well-conceived solutions. Emergency responses delayed by bureaucratic inefficiencies illustrate the impact of temporal gaps. A resource gap arises when there is an insufficiency of the physical, financial, human, or informational resources necessary to address a problem effectively. Temporal gaps refer to the challenges posed by time constraints or delays in addressing a problem. These include urgency, delays, and lack of preparation time. We might also call these strategic foresight gaps.

9. Cognitive and Motivational Gaps

Human biases, limited reasoning, or lack of motivation can derail progress. Misjudging risks or prioritizing profit over sustainability are common examples. Among others, cognitive gaps include limited understanding, cognitive bias, knowledge overload, and short-term focus. Motivation gaps can be just as fatal to any problem-solving exercise. A few are lack of interest, low-stakes perception, external interests, and emotional barriers, e.g. frustration, stress, and fear of failure. Cognitive and motivational gaps highlight the dual nature of problem-solving challenges—intellectual and emotional. Bridging these gaps requires cultivating better understanding and decision-making processes while also fostering motivation through clear goals, incentives, and supportive environments.

10. Tool Gaps

Solving problems is sometimes a pencil and paper effort, but most problems have theoretical components – theories relied upon, observational components – noting further information that may be needed, and algorithmic tools – such as software or other equipment. For example, to use algorithmic software, it is crucial to enter all information correctly and that implies fully comprehending what types of problems are to be solved and that the software can do it. Nonetheless, no software is perfect, and all results must be checked. It is no wonder that R&D divisions and even professors compete rigorously for funding. One key tool, rarely mentioned as such is skills. Without practical skills with specific problem types, all the knowledge and theories in the world may not help to find solutions.

11. General Gaps

To solve any significant problem resources are required. This may include an adequate team and team leader, sufficient time allocated, knowledge, skills, and a budget to see the problem through. The team, even one of just two people must at least communicate well. All of these also create gaps, any one of which may result in project/solution failure. When a gap transforms into a rut, meaning variations of the same solution are offered over and over again, the desired/correct solution is in serious trouble.  

Conclusion

These gaps highlight the multifaceted nature of problem-solving. Not limited to the sciences, gaps occur everywhere problems need to be solved.  Some are owing to the physical world, some to carelessness, some to bad thinking, while others are emotional. Bridging them requires targeted efforts—whether through learning, collaboration, innovation, or resource allocation. Recognizing and addressing these gaps is essential for crafting effective and sustainable solutions. The lesson learned should be, “Find the gaps before the gaps find you.”    

      

 ©2024 G. Donald Allen