Hypothesis-driven approach: Problem solving in the context of global health

The hypothesis-driven approach is a problem-solving method that is necessary at WHO because the environment around us is changing rapidly. WHO needs a new way of problem-solving to process large amounts of information from different fields and deliver quick, tailored recommendations to meet the needs of Member States. The hypothesis-driven approach produces solutions quickly with continuous refinement throughout the research process.

What you’ll learn; Who this course is for

Define the most important questions to address.

Break down the question into components and develop an issue tree.

Develop and validate the hypothesis.

Synthesize findings and support recommendations by presenting evidence in a structured manner.

This course is for everyone. Whether your position is in administrative, operations, or technical area of work, you’re sure to run into problems to solve. Problem-solving is a key skill to continue developing and refining—the hypothesis-driven approach will surely be a great addition in your toolbox!

Course contents

Introduction: Hypothesis-driven Approach to Problem Solving:
This first module is an introduction to the hypothesis-driven approach.

Module 1: Identify the Question:
This module focuses on the first step of the hypothesis-driven approach.

Module 2: Develop & Validate Hypothesis:
This module focuses on the second step of the hypothesis-driven approach.

Module 3: Synthesize Findings & Make Recommendations:
This module focuses on the third step of the hypothesis-driven approach.

Assessment