Paul and Elder's Eight Elements of Thought directly support Army officers as they work through the Army Problem Solving Process in expanding their ability to think critically and creatively. The following eight elements improve problem solvers' perspective on what's important: Making the best decision possible is the same goal as the Army's problem-solving process. The eight elements of thought are point of view; Aim; Question or problem; Information; Inferences and conclusions; Concepts and theories; Hypotheses; and Implications/Consequences. Viewpoint-Drs. Paul and Elder suggested this as a starting point in the thought process of Army officers. Drs. Paul and Elder believe that within the framework of the point of view, decision-makers should examine their point of view through subsequent analysis of frames of reference, perspectives and directions. While combining the totality of the point of view, Army leaders look at a problem from “the point where they see the problem.” Additionally, the Point of View element brings to the Army's problem-solving process the leader's ability to "think about who people are inside, what they use to formulate their assumptions and make their decisions”. Using the Point of View element facilitates the problem-solving process by providing leaders with guidance from commanders to problem solvers to create alternatives to resolve a problem. According to US Army ATTP 5-01, 2001, para. 11-25, 2-14, alternatives and possible unpopular ideas or