Social Problem Solving

"We put together a book that would offer readers multiple perspectives, insights, and directions in understanding social problem solving as an important theory that has driven wide-ranging scientific research and as an important means of training to empower and elevate the lives of individuals. We believe that social problem solving can help individuals free themselves from the problems they face or the distress that these problems cause. We recognize that some problems may be difficult or impossible to solve, but we believe that considerable value remains in understanding and promoting effective social problem solving to foster the novel insights and methods in which problems that seem insurmountable ultimately may be conquered in incremental steps, across time and across individuals. Moreover, we believe that problems can be solved in different ways. When problematic situations or circumstances are manageable or controllable, a good problem solver tries to find ways to change them for the better. However, when such situations or circumstances are unchangeable or uncontrollable, one can still use problem solving to find ways to accept and tolerate with less distress that which cannot be changed or controlled"--Preface. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2005 APA, all rights reserved)

The evidence for social problem solving deficits being relevant to the understanding and treatment of offending behaviour has been accumulating since the 1980s. Reasoning and Rehabilitation (R&R), the first structured cognitive-behavioural treatment programme used widely with prisoners, included social problem solving as a key component and is now in use worldwide. More recently, interventions that focus specifically on social problem solving have recently been developed. Arranged in three parts (evidence, evaluation and evolution and exploration), this book draws together aetiological and therapeutic research evidence and practice over the last twenty years in social problem-solving with offenders.

Early learner curriculum to teach Social Thinking concepts to children ages 4-7

NOTE: This storybook includes a read-aloud option which is accessible on Google and IOS devices. Celebrate Jesse’s birthday with his pals and all their dinosaur friends in storybook 9 of the We Thinkers! Vol. 2 social emotional learning curriculum for ages 4-7. It’s Jesse’s big day, and everyone is so excited to share frosted cake, ice cream, fun games, and gifts. But, when the dinosaurs of all sizes come over, there are always problems! The friends learn that problems and their reactions to the problems come in small, medium, and large sizes—just like dinosaurs—and that it’s important and expected to match your reaction to the size of the problem to help everyone still feel comfortable so they can help solve the problem. Even when drinks get spilled, cake chomped, and presents squashed, Jesse, Ellie, Molly, and Evan learn how to size up the problem with the expected reaction so that everyone can figure out how to still have a great day! Continue building on this important social concept with the most abstract of all concepts in storybook 10, which aligns with the corresponding teaching unit within the related curriculum. Best practice: teach these concepts in order, starting with storybook 1 of 10 while using the corresponding curriculum.

The problem that gives rise to this book is dissatisfaction with social science and social research as instruments of social problem solving. Policy makers and other practical problem solvers frequently voice disappointment with what they are offered. And many social scientists and social researchers think they should be more drawn upon, more useful, and more influential. Out of the discontent have come numerous diagnoses and prescriptions. This thoughtful contribution to the discussion provides an agenda of basic questions that should be asked and answered by those who are concerned about the impact of social science and research on real life problems. In general, Cohen and Lindblom believe that social scientists are crippled by a misunderstanding of their own trade, and they suggest that the tools of their trade be applied to the trade itself. Social scientists do not always fully appreciate that professional social inquiry is only one of several ways of solving a problem. They are also often engaged in a mistaken pursuit of authoritativeness, not recognizing that their contribution can never be more than a partial one. Cohen and Lindblom suggest that they reexamine their criteria for selecting subjects for research, study their tactics as compared to those of policy makers, and consider more carefully their role in relation to other routes to problem solving. To stimulate further inquiry into these fundamental issues, they also provide a comprehensive bibliography.

A broad resource that offers tools for how to conduct problem-solving sociology in order to deepen and reformulate our understanding of society. Most students arrive in graduate sociology programs eager to engage with the pressing social and political issues of the day. Yet that initial enthusiasm does not always survive the professional socialization of graduate school. In Problem-Solving Sociology, Monica Prasad shows graduate students and early career sociologists how to conduct research that uses sociological theory to help solve real-world problems, and how to use problem-solving to improve sociological theory. Prasad discusses how to be objective when examining issues of injustice and oppression, and provides methodological strategies and plenty of exercises for research aimed at creating change. She gives examples throughout of problem-solving research conducted at all levels, from undergraduate theses to the major figures of the discipline. She also considers how to respond to some common objections; where problem-solving fits into the landscape of sociological practice; and how to build a life in problem-solving.

Focuses on teaching students to be reflective, non-impulsive, and responsible decision makers and problem solvers - while emphasizing essential literacy skills. The programme uses cooperative learning methods, including small-group brainstorming, problem-solving, and role-playing activities. Students learn skills such as self-control, listening, respectful communication, giving and receiving help, and working cooperatively.

Offers a cognitive problem-solving approach to the urgent need for children to acquire competence in meeting the demands of childhood within social, school, and family parameters. Designed for children from kindergarten through middle school, this book is especially appropriate for children whose behavior is impulsive, oppositional, or aggressive. Because a great deal of children’s behavior is tied to problem solving, the authors give practitioners a program to help children solve instrumental and relational issues in differing social settings. Using a wealth of examples, role plays, games, and activities, this volume guides children in formulating goals for better social intervention. – from publisher information.