Simplify Your Problems: The Psychology of Choice (Udemy.com)
A simple problem solving model to improve critical thinking, organization, productivity, management and creative skills.
Created by: Richard Feenstra
Last updated August 2015
What you will learn
- In this course you will learn how to identify a problem, develop and compare solutions, execute a plan and assess the extent to which the problem was solved.
- By the end of the course you will know how to develop a concept map and use a fishbone diagram.
- During the course you will be able to demonstrate understanding of how to trace a problem to the root cause.
How it compares
Against the other 53 rated Udemy courses in Design Thinking on CourseDuck:
- Rating4.2 out of 5higher than 7% of them
- Reviews127#46 of 54 by number of reviews
- Length0.8 hoursshorter than 94% of them
- Last updatedAugust 2015earlier than 96% of them
Course Description
Course Summary
Today more than ever, being able to effectively demonstrate you can solve problems is a critical skill for success. This short, 30 minute course teaches the I.D.E.A. model, a simple four-step problem solving process that can be applied to almost any problem you want to resolve. The course is structured by providing short lectures on how to use each individual step and includes access to additional tools and strategies that can be used along with the model. The course also includes a brief overview of a number of well known problem solving tools that you can use such as concept mapping, fishbone diagrams or establishing SMART goals.
The I.D.E.A. model includes how to;
Identify a problem
Develop and compare solutions
Execute a plan to achieve the solution
Assess the extent to which the problem was solved
Also included with the course is access to a number of scientific articles related to problem solving, decision making and creativity.
Instructor Details
- 4.2 Rating
127 Reviews
Richard Feenstra
Hi, I’m Richard, an educational psychologist specializing in decision making and goal achievement. For more than 20 years, I’ve researched how people from different cultures make important life and performance decisions.
I hold an M.S. in Workforce Development and a Ph.D. in Learning & Technology. My courses translate research on decision making and goal theory into practical tools you can apply immediately to make better choices, improve performance, and achieve meaningful results.
Contact: richard@decisionskills.com
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Reviews
By Paul Leyva on 1/2/2023
The downloadable resources are in a weird format that my computer can't open.
By Joao Augusto Silva Cruz on 5/20/2022
This cour exceeded my expectations. Simple explanations direct to the point providing very useful solutions. Looking foward for more courses of the author. In fact, i bought it all in advance.
By Erich Angermayr on 3/29/2020
"Simplify Your Problems" is another useful course from Richard Feenstra. The I.D.E.A. method will help you solve problems systematically. Thanks for this solid course!
By Emil Dražević on 2/6/2018
Good introductory course. Maybe needs more quizes and problem solving, and other explanations with other examples than health issues. I like the IDEA and SMART acronyms.
By Marcos Vinicius Saturno Ribeiro on 1/2/2018
É meio óbvio em diversas lições. As aulas bônus são mais interessantes do que as aulas do curso em si.
By Heather Truesby on 11/1/2017
Concepts explained in very easy to understand language. The graphics were relevant and helped reiterate the topic. I learned some valuable techniques for problem solving.
By Angel LeBlanc on 3/22/2017
It has some good information, but I think some of it is a little monotonous. Fairly good overall, though.
By Mary Greene on 2/20/2017
Good methods. The challenge is accurately determining/observing causes, particularly primary causes. Many delay trying any solution instead of experimenting with corrective actions.
By Naomi Alexander on 8/24/2015
The process is invaluable and is presented here nicely organized by Dr. Feenstra. You will do well to apply these steps and concepts to the problems in business and personal areas. The process make sense for both.
By Aavya Solros on 10/1/2014
I got a lot out of the part of this course where you dissect your problem by asking why, why, why until you get to the root cause. This was really helpful because instead of dealing with a surface level problem, I am able to see what is causing the problem.
Quality Score
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Overall Score : 84 / 100







