Problem Solving and Creativity
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Questions and Answers

In the first step of the problem-solving model, what is the most critical action to ensure a well-defined problem?

  • Gathering only the opinions of key stakeholders.
  • Clearly differentiating between factual information and subjective opinions. (correct)
  • Focusing on the immediate symptoms rather than the underlying causes.
  • Stating the problem as a potential solution to expedite the process.

How does 'building on others' ideas' primarily enhance the generation of alternative solutions in problem-solving?

  • By stimulating synergy and broadening the spectrum of potential solutions through diverse contributions. (correct)
  • By fostering competition among team members to produce superior ideas.
  • By dismissing novel approaches that deviate from established norms.
  • By limiting the range of solutions to maintain focus.

What is the central goal of evaluating alternatives relative to an 'optimal standard' in the problem-solving process?

  • To ensure the selected alternative is easily implemented regardless of its effectiveness.
  • To identify the alternative that most closely aligns with the ideal solution, even if it requires some compromise. (correct)
  • To streamline the selection process by choosing the most popular option.
  • To lower expectations by finding the most realistic and easily attainable solution.

In the implementation phase of problem-solving, what potential issue is addressed by 'engendering acceptance'?

<p>The resistance from stakeholders affected by the solution. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a potential consequence of 'lack of consensus on the problem' during the problem definition stage?

<p>Implementation of solutions that address the wrong issues, leading to ineffective outcomes. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does relying primarily on 'alternatives based on what was successful in the past' potentially limit the problem-solving process?

<p>It can stifle innovation and prevent the consideration of more effective, novel solutions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances might 'gathering information' be considered a constraint on the analytical problem-solving model?

<p>When the cost of gathering the information outweighs the potential benefits of the solution. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way can 'resistance to change' undermine the implementation and follow-up stage of problem-solving?

<p>It can lead to delayed implementation, sabotage, or outright rejection of the solution. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key implication of the statement 'Most people assume that creativity is one-dimensional'?

<p>Individuals often underestimate their creative potential by focusing on a single type of creative approach. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of established 'mental blocks' on an individual's creativity?

<p>A restricted capacity to generate novel solutions, leading to reliance on conventional approaches. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does 'building trust' play in fostering the 'incubation' approach to creativity?

<p>It encourages a more open exchange of ideas and collaborative problem-solving. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way does the 'investment' approach to creativity differ substantially from the 'incubation' approach?

<p>It prioritizes rapid goal achievement and competitive responses. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key implication of the statement 'Each of these four different approaches to creativity can be inhibited'?

<p>It underscores the importance of identifying and overcoming any obstacles that may hinder the creative process. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Percy Spencer's experience with the Magnetron illustrate the concept of overcoming conceptual blocks?

<p>By demonstrating how unexpected observations can lead to groundbreaking innovations. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way does 'Constancy' act as a conceptual block to creative problem-solving?

<p>By limiting the range of potential solutions due to rigid adherence to established patterns of thinking. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does 'Commitment' influence the way individuals approach problem-solving?

<p>It leads individuals to interpret current challenges through the lens of previous experiences, which may hinder innovation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario does 'Compression', as a conceptual block, most significantly impede effective problem-solving?

<p>When problem solvers define the scope of a problem too narrowly, overlooking critical information. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best characterizes 'Complacency' as a barrier to innovative problem-solving?

<p>A bias that undermines active thinking and inquisitiveness, leading to a failure to challenge conventional assumptions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does vertical thinking differ from lateral thinking in DeBono's model of cognitive approaches?

<p>Vertical thinking is characterized by continuity and stability. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can a wider range of 'thinking languages' increase the effectiveness of problem solvers?

<p>By providing more diverse cognitive tools for framing problems and generating solutions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What cognitive process does the classic 'Matchstick Configuration' problem primarily challenge?

<p>Assumptions by finding a solution that is not the most obvious. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does 'perceptual stereotyping' manifest as a barrier to innovative problem-solving?

<p>By encouraging one to find solutions from their past, leading to less effective outcomes. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the central issue addressed by the concept of 'ignoring commonalities' in problem-solving?

<p>The tendency to focus on unique aspects of problems while overlooking underlying connections. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cognitive challenge presented by 'the nine-dot problem'?

<p>To work within self-imposed cognitive constraints. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does 'non-inquisitiveness' hinder the creative problem-solving process?

<p>By limiting the exploration of new insights relevant to the problem. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does 'incubation' play in stages of creative thought?

<p>Allowing the conscious mind to rest while insights are gathered and synthesized. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of 'making the strange familiar and the familiar strange' as a tool to improve problem definition?

<p>To challenge habitual ways of thinking and reveal new perspectives on a familiar problem. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which cognitive aptitude does 'the five-figure problem' primarily aim to evaluate?

<p>The capacity to challenge preconceptions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the central tenet of 'defer judgment' when generating more alternatives through brainstorming?

<p>To create an environment where every conceivable solution is considered prior to any formal assessments. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During a brainstorming session, what is the role of 'wild ideas'?

<p>They can expand the range of possibilities and lead to innovative solutions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In morphological synthesis, what is the importance of listing 'attributes of the problem'?

<p>To decompose the problem into individual components. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of 'connecting words' in the relational algorithm approach to problem-solving?

<p>To help facilitate the development of a relationship between elements in a problem. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does having relaxation time help facilitate creative problem-solving?

<p>It allows the brain to make intuitive connections. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the principles for fostering creativity, what is the benefit of 'pulling people apart; put people together'?

<p>It ensures individuals work alone as well as with teams and task forces. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the 'sharp-pointed prods' in monitoring and prodding to foster creativity?

<p>Accountability of people. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When analytical techniques are used, what is the second step in the process?

<p>Generate Alternative solutions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should an individual do when approaching a difficult problem??

<p>Understand creative solutions need not be a product of revolutionary and brand-new ideas. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the potential risk of rigidly adhering to alternatives that have been successful in the past when generating solutions?

<p>It can stifle innovation and prevent the exploration of more effective solutions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How might fostering 'heterogeneous membership' within teams contribute to enhancing team creativity?

<p>It introduces diverse perspectives, challenging conventional thinking. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between vertical and lateral thinking in DeBono's model regarding the focus of idea exploration?

<p>Vertical thinking stresses continuity, whereas lateral thinking embraces discontinuity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the critical role of 'sharp-pointed prods' in the context of monitoring and prodding to foster creativity?

<p>To challenge assumptions and push for innovative solutions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What cognitive process does the 'Bookworm Problem' primarily challenge, where a worm bores through multiple volumes on a shelf?

<p>Surmounting self-imposed constraints. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Step 1 of problem-solving

Differentiate fact from opinion, specify underlying causes, tap everyone involved, state explicitly.

Step 2 of problem-solving

Postpone evaluations, involve all individuals, specify goal-consistent and short/long-term solutions, build on ideas.

Step 3 of problem-solving

Evaluate relative to a standard and goals, systematically noting main and side effects. State the selected alternative.

Step 4 of problem-solving

Implement correctly, provide feedback, engender acceptance, monitor, and evaluate the solution.

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Step 1 Constraints

Lack of consensus on problem, acceptance of problem definition, confusing symptoms, and confusing information.

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Step 2 Constraints

Alternatives are evaluated immediately, few known, first accepted, or based on past successes.

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Step 3 Constraints

Information is limited, searched nearby, constrained, costly to gather, and preferences are unknown.

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Step 4 Constraints

Acceptance lacking, resistance to change, monitoring uncertainty, and managed political processes.

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Impediments:

Assuming creativity is one-dimensional.

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Incubation creativity

Focuses on teamwork, trust, and empowering people to achieve collective effort and consensus.

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Imagination

Involves experimentation, exploration, risk-taking, and revolutionary thinking to envision unique and transformational ideas.

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Improvement

Focuses on incremental improvements, process control, systematic approaches, careful methods, and clarifying problems.

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Investment

Aims for rapid goal achievement, fast responses, competitive actions, and directly attacking problems for quick wins.

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Conceptual blocks

Mental obstacles that limit problem definitions.

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Constancy

Consistency limiting creative solutions.

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Commitment

Seeing present problems only as variations of past ones.

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Compression

Failing to filter irrelevant or find needed information; artificially constraining problem boundaries.

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Complacency

Unwillingness to ask questions or inclination to avoid mental work.

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Vertical Thinking

Focuses on continuity, stability, and developing ideas analytically by choosing and searching for the 'right' answer.

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Lateral Thinking

Involves discontinuity and instability; it changes and provokes to find out what is different and discover new ideas.

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Multiple thinking languages

Using words, symbols, sensory input, feelings, and visual imagery to enhance problem-solving.

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Perceptual stereotyping

Defining present problems based on similar past problems.

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Ignoring commonalities

Failing to find the common thread that exists between dissimilar problems.

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Complacency

Being unwilling to ask questions or make the effort to do mental work and solve problems.

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What are the creative thought stages?

Preparation, Incubation, Illumination, Verification.

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Improve Problem Definition

Make the strange familiar, use analogies, elaborate definitions and reverse the definition.

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How to Generate More Alternatives

Defer judgment, expand alternatives, combine attributes.

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Rules of Brainstorming

No evaluation, wild ideas, quantity over quality, build on others' ideas.

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Morphological Synthesis

Problem defined, attributes listed, alternatives listed, combined alternatives.

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Relational Algorithm

Applying connecting words forces relationships.

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Creative Problem-Solving Hints

Relax, find a thinking place, talk, ask, read, avoid killers.

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Creativity Principle 1

Work alone and together, encourage different views and group, separate.

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Creativity Principle 2

Talk to customers, set expectations, hold accountable, prod.

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Creativity Principle 3

Champion ideas, sponsor, orchestrate, break rules.

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Behavioral Guidelines

Follow procedures, avoid conceptual blocks, use technologies.

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Study Notes

Learning Objectives

  • Increase analytical problem-solving proficiency
  • Recognize personal conceptual blocks
  • Enhance creativity by overcoming conceptual blocks
  • Foster innovation among others

Model of Problem-Solving Steps

  • Define the problem
  • Generate alternative solutions
  • Evaluate and select an alternative
  • Implement and follow up on the solution

Step 1: Define the Problem

  • Differentiate fact from opinion
  • Specify underlying causes
  • Involve everyone for information
  • State the problem explicitly and the violated standard
  • Determine whose problem it is
  • Avoid disguised solution statements

Step 2: Generate Alternative Solutions

  • Postpone evaluating alternatives
  • Ensure involvement from all individuals
  • Specify consistency with goals, and short- and long-term aspects
  • Build on other ideas
  • Specify alternatives that solve the problem

Step 3: Evaluate and Select

  • Evaluate relative to an optimal standard
  • Evaluate systematically and relative to goals
  • Assess main and side effects
  • State the selected alternative explicitly

Step 4: Implement and Follow Up

  • Implement at the proper time and sequence
  • Provide feedback opportunities
  • Engender acceptance
  • Establish ongoing monitoring
  • Evaluate based on problem solution

Constraints on Analytical Problem-Solving: Defining the Problem

  • Lack of consensus
  • Acceptance of definition
  • Symptoms mistaken for the real problem
  • Confusing information

Constraints on Analytical Problem-Solving: Generating Alternatives

  • Alternatives are evaluated as they are proposed
  • Few alternatives are known
  • The first acceptable solution is usually accepted
  • Alternatives are based on past successes

Constraints on Analytical Problem-Solving: Evaluating and Selecting

  • Information on alternatives is limited
  • Information search is local
  • Information type is constrained
  • Gathering information can be costly
  • Preferences may be unknown

Constraints on Analytical Problem-Solving: Implementation and Follow-Up

  • Acceptance may not be forthcoming
  • Resistance to change
  • Uncertainty about monitoring solutions
  • Political and organizational processes must be managed
  • Implementation takes may take a long time

Impediments to Creative Problem-Solving

  • Creativity is often viewed as one-dimensional
  • Mental blocks can inhibit creativity

Four Types of Creativity

  • Incubation: Being sustainable
  • Imagination: Being new
  • Improvement: Being better
  • Investment: Being first

Conceptual Blocks

  • Constancy: consistency inhibiting creative problem-solving
  • Commitment: present problems being seen as variations of past problems
  • Compression: not filtering irrelevant information or finding needed information
  • Complacency: unwillingness to challenge or question

DeBono's Ways of Thinking

  • Vertical thinking: continuity, chooses, stability, searches for what is right, analytic, knows where the idea came from, and develops an idea
  • Lateral thinking: discontinuity, changes, instability, searches for what is different, provocative, recognizes where the idea is going, and discovers the idea

Multiple Thinking Languages

  • Words
  • Symbols
  • Sensory
  • Feelings and emotions
  • Visual imagery

Improving Problem Definition

  • Synectics: Making the strange familiar and the familiar strange via personal, direct, symbolic, and fantasy analogies
  • Elaborate the definition and think in plurals
  • Reverse the definition

Ways to Generate More Alternatives

  • Brainstorming, defer judgment
  • Expanding current alternatives- subdivision
  • Combine unrelated attributes- relational algorithm and morphological synthesis

Rules of Brainstorming

  • No evaluation of ideas is permitted
  • Wild ideas are encouraged
  • Quantity before quality
  • Build on ideas of others

Morphological Synthesis

  • The problem is written down
  • Attributes of the problem are listed
  • Alternatives to each attribute are listed
  • Different alternatives from the attributes are combined

Relational Algorithm

  • Applying connecting words that force a relationship between two elements in a problem

Hints to Facilitate Creative Problem-Solving

  • Give yourself relaxation time
  • Find a place where you can think
  • Talk to other people about ideas
  • Ask other people for their suggestions about your problems
  • Read a lot
  • Protect yourself from idea-killers

Fostering Creativity

  • Pull people apart and put them together
  • Monitor and prod
  • Reward multiple roles

Behavioral Guidelines

  • Follow the four-step procedure for analytical decision-making
  • Remember creative solutions do not have to be revolutionary and brand-new
  • Overcome conceptual blocks
  • Use technologies that elaborate problem definition.

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Description

This lesson explores analytical problem-solving and the steps involved in the process. It covers problem definition, generating alternative solutions, evaluation, and implementation. It also helps in enhancing creativity by overcoming conceptual blocks.

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