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What are the types of problems?

  • In society, a problem can refer to particular social issues, which if solved would yield social benefits, such as increased harmony or productivity, and conversely diminished hostility and disruption.
    See also: Wicked problem
  • In business and engineering, a problem is a difference between actual conditions and those that are required or desired. Often, the causes of a problem are not known, in which case root cause analysis is employed to find the causes and identify corrective actions.
  • In chess, a problem is a puzzle set by somebody using chess pieces on a chess board, for others to get instruction or intellectual satisfaction from determining the solution.
  • In theology, there is what is referred to as the Synoptic Problem, regarding the Gospels' relationship to each other.
  • In academic discourse a problem is a challenge to an assumption, an apparent conflict that requires synthesis and reconciliation. It is a normal part of systematic thinking, the address of which adds to or detracts from the veracity of a conclusion or idea.
  • An optimization problem is finding the best solution from all feasible solutions. A good example of this type of problem is the travelling salesperson problem which is based on calculating the most efficient route between many places
  • In computability theory a decision problem requires a simple yes-or-no answer.
  • In rock climbing a problem is a series of rocks that forces the climber to climb.
  • In reading, a problem is a combination of a series of words with the overall plotline, which the reader must attempt to decipher.
  • In walking, a mobility problem is presented. Motion is achieved via mechanical interaction of the legs and a surface.


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