When we first encounter a problem, we are mostly likely to observe its:

When we first encounter a problem, we are most likely to observe its symptoms. Symptoms represent the visible signs or indicators that something is wrong within a system or process. These can include unexpected outcomes, disruptions, or any anomalies that prompt further investigation. Observing symptoms is typically the initial step in the problem-solving process because they evoke our curiosity to understand the underlying causes of the issue.

Understanding symptoms helps to frame the problem accurately, allowing for a more effective approach to identifying and addressing the root causes. In a data-driven decision-making context, recognizing symptoms can lead to the analysis of relevant data that point toward the actual causes, allowing decision-makers to formulate data-backed resolutions. In contrast, causes are the underlying reasons for the symptoms and may not be immediately apparent without further examination. Initial occurrence refers to the event when the problem first arises, while resolution pertains to the steps taken to solve the problem, both of which come into play later in the problem-solving process.