Tame vs. Wicked Problems - MCQs with Answers
Design Thinking is a problem-solving approach that works better for certain types of problems.
There are two major types of problems: Tame and Wicked.
Tame Problems:
- These problems are more straightforward and can be solved using traditional, linear methods.
-
Steps in solving Tame Problems:
- Define the Problem: Understand the issue clearly.
- Identify Alternatives: Brainstorm possible solutions.
- Evaluate Alternatives: Assess which solution is best.
- Select the Optimal Solution: Choose the most effective solution.
-
In Tame problems, you have:
- Clear Data: Information is available and relevant.
- Predictable Outcomes: You can anticipate results based on past experience.
- Cause-and-Effect Relationships: You can generally understand why something happens.
Wicked Problems:
- These problems are much more complex and cannot be solved easily.
-
Characteristics of Wicked Problems:
- No Clear Agreement on the Problem: Different stakeholders may have different views on the issue.
- Uncertain Data: You may have a lot of data, but its relevance is unclear.
- Unpredictable Results: The cause and effect are difficult to predict.
- Need for Experimentation: Solutions require testing in real environments with real people.
- Innovative Solutions: Wicked problems often need new, creative approaches because traditional ones may have already failed.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) on Tame vs. Wicked Problems
1. What is the main characteristic of a Tame problem?
- a) No data is available.
- b) Solutions can be predicted with accuracy.
- c) Stakeholders cannot agree on the problem definition.
- d) The problem is complex and fluid.
Answer: b) Solutions can be predicted with accuracy.
2. Which of the following is NOT a feature of Wicked problems?
- a) Clear cause-and-effect relationships.
- b) Multiple stakeholder opinions on the definition.
- c) Complex and uncertain data.
- d) The need for experimentation.
Answer: a) Clear cause-and-effect relationships.
3. Tame problems typically require which kind of approach?
- a) Linear problem-solving method.
- b) Creative and untested alternatives.
- c) Experimentation in a real-world setting.
- d) No alternatives are considered.
Answer: a) Linear problem-solving method.
4. Wicked problems require solutions that are typically:
- a) Based on past experiences.
- b) Straightforward and easy to predict.
- c) Innovative and often untried.
- d) Solved through traditional methods.
Answer: c) Innovative and often untried.
5. What is a common challenge when dealing with Wicked problems?
- a) Stakeholders always agree on the problem definition.
- b) Cause-and-effect relationships are clearly defined.
- c) You need to test solutions in a real-world context.
- d) Data is usually irrelevant.
Answer: c) You need to test solutions in a real-world context.
6. In which type of problem are data and cause-effect relationships usually clearer?
- a) Wicked problems.
- b) Tame problems.
- c) Both Tame and Wicked problems.
- d) Neither Tame nor Wicked problems.
Answer: b) Tame problems.
7. Which of the following is true about Wicked problems?
- a) Solutions are often straightforward.
- b) They involve a high level of uncertainty and complexity.
- c) They are best solved with linear problem-solving techniques.
- d) Data is always relevant and easy to interpret.
Answer: b) They involve a high level of uncertainty and complexity.
8. What approach is best suited for Tame problems?
- a) Continuous testing and iteration.
- b) Experimenting in real environments.
- c) Traditional linear problem-solving methods.
- d) Involving multiple stakeholders in decision-making.
Answer: c) Traditional linear problem-solving methods.
9. Which of the following is NOT a typical feature of Tame problems?
- a) Clear definition and understanding of the problem.
- b) Predictable outcomes based on data.
- c) Need for innovative solutions.
- d) Evaluation of alternatives to find the optimal solution.
Answer: c) Need for innovative solutions.
10. In Wicked problems, what is often the best course of action?
- a) Apply a fixed solution based on past knowledge.
- b) Test solutions through real-world experiments.
- c) Rely solely on theoretical knowledge.
- d) Make decisions based on predefined cause and effect.
Answer: b) Test solutions through real-world experiments.
11. What is a primary challenge in solving Wicked problems?
- a) Clear data that can be directly applied to the solution.
- b) A simple cause-and-effect relationship.
- c) A lack of agreement on what the problem is or how to solve it.
- d) The ability to predict outcomes with high accuracy.
Answer: c) A lack of agreement on what the problem is or how to solve it.
12. When solving a Tame problem, which of the following is most likely to be true?
- a) The problem will change constantly, making it difficult to solve.
- b) You can determine the cause and effect of the problem.
- c) Data and relevant information are hard to come by.
- d) The solution will require a creative, untested approach.
Answer: b) You can determine the cause and effect of the problem.
13. Which problem type typically involves real-world experimentation to find solutions?
- a) Tame problems.
- b) Wicked problems.
- c) Both Tame and Wicked problems.
- d) Neither Tame nor Wicked problems.
Answer: b) Wicked problems.
14. How do solutions for Wicked problems usually differ from those for Tame problems?
- a) Solutions for Wicked problems are usually simple and proven.
- b) Wicked problems require testing new, creative solutions.
- c) Tame problems can only be solved through trial and error.
- d) Tame problems require continuous testing and adjustments.
Answer: b) Wicked problems require testing new, creative solutions.
15. What makes the problem-solving process for Wicked problems more complex than Tame problems?
- a) Stakeholders often agree on what the problem is and how to solve it.
- b) There are clear cause-and-effect relationships.
- c) The problem involves a lot of uncertainty and lack of clear data.
- d) Solutions can be based on historical data and patterns.
Answer: c) The problem involves a lot of uncertainty and lack of clear data.
16. In which of the following scenarios would Design Thinking be most useful?
- a) Solving a problem with well-understood data and predictable solutions.
- b) Addressing an issue with a complex, evolving situation and no clear solution.
- c) Using traditional problem-solving methods to solve simple, clear issues.
- d) Identifying the root cause of a problem that has already been solved multiple times.
Answer: b) Addressing an issue with a complex, evolving situation and no clear solution.
17. What is the best approach to take when dealing with a Wicked problem with multiple stakeholders?
- a) Assume one solution will work for all stakeholders.
- b) Rely on historical data to choose a solution.
- c) Focus on experimentation and creating multiple solutions to test.
- d) Use a step-by-step, linear approach to solve the problem.
Answer: c) Focus on experimentation and creating multiple solutions to test.
18. Which of the following is a common feature of Wicked problems?
- a) Limited data with clear relevance to the problem.
- b) A definitive solution that works for all involved.
- c) Uncertainty about what the problem actually is and how to solve it.
- d) A fixed set of solutions that are tested and proven.
Answer: c) Uncertainty about what the problem actually is and how to solve it.
19. In the context of Design Thinking, when might a Wicked problem require a traditional approach?
- a) When the problem can be clearly defined with data and alternatives.
- b) When stakeholders can agree on a single solution.
- c) When the problem involves uncertainties and no clear answers.
- d) When there is enough relevant data to predict outcomes.
Answer: a) When the problem can be clearly defined with data and alternatives.
20. What does solving Wicked problems often require from the solution providers?
- a) Relying on solutions that have already worked in similar situations.
- b) Working within the boundaries of established knowledge.
- c) An openness to new and innovative approaches, including untested methods.
- d) Following a fixed sequence of steps to find the right solution.
Answer: c) An openness to new and innovative approaches, including untested methods.
Conclusion
Understanding Tame and Wicked problems is crucial for MBA students and professionals alike. In real-world scenarios, problems are rarely straightforward, and the ability to determine whether a problem is tame or wicked can significantly impact the effectiveness of the chosen solution.
For Tame problems, where solutions are typically predictable and data is more easily understood, a traditional approach works best. However, for Wicked problems, which are complex, involve uncertainty, and lack clear solutions, creativity and testing become key strategies. Recognizing the nature of the problem helps in choosing the right tools, methodologies, and approaches to tackle it efficiently and innovatively.
In design thinking and problem-solving processes, knowing when to apply linear techniques and when to experiment with new, innovative approaches can be the difference between success and failure.
