Preliminary analysis of data collected from trained expert facilitators of ad hoc creative teams (n=43) found that complex analytical techniques such as costed function modeling and decision criteria matrix may have far more impact upon a team's creative effectiveness than frequently researched measures such as idea quantity. (Contains…

A study explored the problem solving abilities of 15 children (ages 3-6). A medical problem with a known solution was presented in the form of a children's story. Results showed that after reading the story, four suggested the correct solution. Other non-practical, but creative solutions were also suggested. (Contains seven references.) (CR)

This study with 432 college students examined how variables influence the relative performance of groups and individuals on creative problem-solving tasks. Having more ideas available (through a priming manipulation) led to better individual performance. Group performance, however, was enhanced by training appropriate to problem content that…

Author presented a selection of examples of the role of connective analogies in invention/discovery. (Author/RK)

A study of 147 Westinghouse Science Talent Search winners classified 57 subjects as independent problem finders. They were asked to select five of the 31 factors in Guilford's Structure of Intellect model which best described the process of choosing their research question. Implications for educating secondary science students are discussed. (VW)

Describes the State-of-Illinois supported Cooperative Summer Institute of McKendree College, Lebanon, Illinois, which participated in a week-long Creative-Problem Solving Institute at the State University College in Buffalo, New York. (MB)

The author reviews research and theory about the role of incubation (a period in which there is no apparent activity toward problem solving but some progress toward a solution occurs) in creative thinking. Note: For related information, see EC 120 233-238. (CL)

Four studies of undergraduates were conducted to assess the relative importance of quality and quantity as goals of brainstorming. Participants (n=65) believed it was more important to produce creative and high-quality ideas than to generate many ideas and believed brainstorming would enhance the quality of others' ideas (n=109). (Author/CR)

The article describes four step-by-step methods to sharpen intuitive capacities for problem-solving and innovation. Visionary and transpersonal knowledge processes are tapped to gain access to relatively deep levels of intuition. The methods are considered useful for overcoming internal blockages or resistance, developing organizational mission…

This study assessed whether insightful problem solving could be trained, specifically whether solutions to a heterogeneous set of verbal insight problems could be promoted using a training scheme that emphasizes application of mechanisms that underlie the restructuring process. Facilitation effects in five experiments with college students ranged…

The generation of new ideas is a complex demanding activity involving multiple processing operations. As is the case in other forms of complex cognition, biases in process execution can induce errors that limit peoples' ability to generate viable new ideas. In the present effort, the nature of these biases, and their impact on creative thought,…

Author presented a theory of thinking designed to multiply our power as thinkers, problem-solvers and learners. (Author/RK)

The major objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of group size on total fluency, flexibility, and originality of response to problem solving tasks and its effect on average per person fluency, flexibility, and originality. (Author/RK)

Three approaches to teaching university-level creative problem-solving skills are described. (BD)