Problem Tree

Why use the Problem Tree in research?

The PROBLEM TREE promotes collective awareness of a social, organizational or collective problem, to identify its causes and consequences. During the discussion, the group will be able to come up with possible solutions.

Thus, the PROBLEM TREE can be used as a starting point for a research project, as a means to develop a common understanding of an issue within a group of collaborators and with the target population. It can help to identify the sources and consequences of a problem, thus helping to identify possible solutions.

Origin of the REFLECT method and the Problem Tree

The Problem Tree is one of the tools of the REFLECT method that is most commonly used within popular literacy groups. REFLECT is an acronym for "REgenerated Freirean Literacy through Empowering Community Techniques.” This comprehensive and innovative approach aims to strengthen communities with a view to fostering social change. It combines Paulo Freire's theories with participatory approaches.

This approach aims to promote social change and learning within a democratic space of debate and dialogue. This is usually done within a community group but can be useful in any other collective context. These facilitation tools aim to concretize situations and reasoning in order to better understand a specific situation. For example, the "River of Life" tool helps to better classify and appropriate a schedule and the different tasks to be accomplished or completed in a project (Project planning, annual review, etc.). Using participants' keywords, images or drawings, a timeline is constructed, including milestones and achievements.

Getting back to the Problem Tree, the main objective is to enable illiterate people to participate in identifying and analyzing problems, while finding practical solutions to improve their living conditions and defend their rights. Using keywords, drawings and images during the group discussion makes it possible to articulate the various pieces of the puzzle that is the problem needing to be understood and solved.

Popular literacy and REFLECT method

The link between the two is very well explained in a training document from the Regroupement des groupes populaires d'alphabétisation du Québec (RGPAQ) entitled Journée d'échanges REFLECT. Each year, training on this approach is offered by the RGPAQ.

"REFLECT has the same roots as popular literacy, and is very close to the principles that guide RGPAQ members, for example

Popular literacy:

• makes learning to read, write and calculate a tool for social expression, freedom of speech, and empowerment with respect to one’s life, surroundings and environment;

• is characterized by the power that participants have within groups and through their participation in decision-making;

• is a collective approach in which the individual is integrated into a group approach, which makes it possible to develop a sense of belonging, to carry out projects and to raise demands;

• takes into account the realities of the participants' daily lives.” (1)

(1) Discussion day REFLECT, 2011, RGPAQ, p. 2 [excerpt translated from French]

Structure of the Problem Tree

To visually present the structure of the group discussion, we will present our subject in the form of a tree. 

1. The trunk is the problem to be solved.
2. The causes of poverty are the roots.
3. The impacts/consequences of poverty are the branches.
4. The solutions to fight poverty are the leaves.