A method of implementing non-numerical spread sheets for the medical and legal domains using a computer-assisted iterative problem solving technique which starts from initial non-numerical data and develops possible solutions within a framework of an interrelation ship among pre-selected non-numerical data which are divided into a plurality of mutually exclusive categories differentiated according to readiness for decision making, including the steps of: displaying on a video display, a work sheet having a plurality of cells each corresponding to one of said mutually exclusive categories for displaying the non-numerical data; entering initial non-numerical data into respective cells in the work sheet; selecting a query designating at least a first cell in the work sheet with the initial non-numerical data as an input and requesting related non-numerical data for at least one cell of the plurality of cells in the work sheet; identifying non-numerical data for the at least one cell that is related to non-numerical data in the first cell; and inserting the identified non-numerical data into at least one cell in the work sheet as further information for consideration in developing possible solutions.