What information is sought in Step 4 of the problem-solving process?

In Step 4 of the problem-solving process, the focus is on understanding what caused the problem. This stage is crucial as it helps individuals to identify the roots of the issue rather than just addressing the symptoms. By analyzing the underlying causes, a person can develop a more effective and long-lasting solution.

Determining the cause allows for a deeper insight into the factors that may have led to the situation, which can involve various elements such as behaviors, circumstances, or external influences. This understanding is vital for effective problem resolution because addressing only the symptoms without knowing the cause may result in recurring issues.

The other choices address different aspects of the problem-solving process. For instance, knowing what can be done about the situation involves generating potential solutions, while identifying the evidence contributing to the problem might be part of the initial analysis, and determining the solution itself would come later in the problem-solving framework. Each of these steps plays its own role in the process, but Step 4 specifically targets the cause to ensure that subsequent actions are relevant and impactful.