FAQ
Understanding the
Meta-Problem Method

FAQ

• 1

  What is the Meta-Problem Method?

  The method is a science-based approach to choosing which problem you want to solve. Inspired by a variety of decision-focused disciplines including optimization, the approach starts by defining your goals, what options you have, and then mapping your options to how well they meet your goals. A good problem will lead to a good solution.
• 2

  Where can I use the Meta-Problem Method?

  The process is problem-agnostic. You can use it on any size or type of dilemma, from the relatively trivial to the urgently existential, from local to global, and in any role from personal through business and professional, to political. On this site I aim to explain the idea to a wide audience, but in my professional life I use the meta-problem process to help businesses solve complex data analytics problems (you can learn more at The process is problem-agnostic. You can use it on any size or type of dilemma, from the relatively trivial to the urgently existential, from local to global, and in any role from personal through business and professional, to political. On this site I aim to explain the idea to a wide audience, but in my professional life I use the Meta-Problem Method to help businesses solve complex data analytics problems (you can learn more at https://www.analyticsstrategiesllc.com ).
• 3

  Isn't that the same as just solving the right problem?

  The only way to know you are focusing on the “right” problem is to identify and compare the alternatives (including the “do nothing” option). The Meta-Problem Method is a framework for discussing those comparisons, and ultimately choosing the best problem to solve.
• 4

  What do you mean by a “set” of problems?

  The Meta-Problem Method starts with a list of goals. There will usually be many problems that you could choose to solve to get to your goals. Often, there is a group of problems that are closely related, so that solving one could help you make progress with the others. Following the methodology you will define that set of “high yield” problems.
• 5

  What if we do know everything up front?

  That’s highly unlikely, and can lead you to waste a lot of time, money and other resources pursuing dead-ends. People invariably have criteria they are unaware of at the beginning of the process. In business, this often emerges when they try to ask a (rigid and rules-driven) computer system what to do, and find that either it is unable to produce the results they need, or it produces nonsense. Most of the time your choices will also depend at least a little on some unknowns about the future.
• 6

  What are the origins of the Meta-Problem Method?

  It’s based on a combination of ideas from my work in Operations Research (OR), a field that bridges engineering, mathematics, and business. It’s used by organizations to solve resource allocation problems and optimize the use of those resources. We use math models of systems and decisions to help businesses clients understand how different choices they could make would impact outcomes they care about. Click here to learn more about my business consulting work.