Which problem-solving approach involves a step-by-step process focusing on known facts?

The approach that involves a step-by-step process focusing on known facts is deductive reasoning. This method starts with general principles or facts and applies them to specific situations to draw conclusions. In the context of problem-solving, it emphasizes logical progression from established truths, allowing technicians to systematically evaluate a situation based on solid information.

For example, if a technician knows that a specific type of printer consistently fails under certain conditions, they can deduce that similar conditions are likely causing the failure in the current scenario. This structured approach helps in efficiently narrowing down potential causes and identifying solutions based on a logical framework.

While inductive reasoning involves making broad generalizations based on specific observations, and creative thinking focuses on generating innovative solutions often without explicit step-by-step logic, the deductive method is grounded in concrete facts and methodical reasoning. Root cause analysis, while it can involve step-by-step methods, is more about identifying the underlying reasons for a problem rather than purely following a series of logical conclusions based on known facts.