In order to extend our impressions
of the many types of problems that exist, we may note the following
partial classification of them.
i. Mechanical construction problems, i.e.,
problems of how to make something. These may vary from the small but very puzzling
problem of how to "make over" an old garment, up to such a
complex scientific problem as how to make a flying machine
2. Transportation problems, i.e., problems of how to take or send
something to some place.
3. Problems of personal relations, reactions, and influences, e.g.,
"Would Stockton's princess prefer to see her lover devoured by
the tiger or to see him become the husband of another woman?"
4. Problems of social organization, such as "How shall we
organize our literary society ? " or "Which is better, for the government
to own and operate the railroads or merely to control and
supervise their operation?"
5. Moral problems, such as "Is it right for me to accept an
education and services from my parents without making any
immediate return in the form of home service? "
6. Expressional problems, e.g., "What is the best way to word
my refusal of this invitation ? " or "How shall I write this chapter ? "
7. Artistic problems, e.g., "What is the most pleasing arrangement
of the pictures in this room ?" or "'What is the most pleasing
way of massing the shrubbery in this park ?" or "What is the
most pleasing color scheme for this window display ?"
8. Pure science problems, e.g., " Why does the mist hang in
clouds a short distance up the mountain, but disappear lower
down ?" or "Is the interior of the earth a molten mass or is it rigid
and solid ?"
9. Purely mathematical problems, e.g., "How do I calculate
the amount of income tax that I have to pay?" or "What is the
best way of auditing the report of the treasurer of our society in
order to verify his accounts ?