The author discusses definitions of creativity through research and analogy and suggests that since some of mankind's most compelling needs underlie the creative process, a denial of those needs results in illness. Physiological and psychological reasons for the therapeutic nature of creative problem solving are considered. (CL)

The relationship between a student's stated preference for solving a problem and his/her actual problem methodology, concrete or abstract, was studied. Comparisons were made between formal and nonformal students. (MP)

The effect of four variables (number of steps, superfluous information, verbal cue, and question) on problem solving performance was investigated. A total of 800 junior high students from five schools responded to four different types of questions. Three variables were found to be significant: questions, steps, and superfluous information. (DT)

Provides excerpts from taped interviews with three women who have emerged as leaders in the desegregated schools movement in Louisville, Kentucky and surrounding Jefferson County. (Author/AM)

The organization of several mathematics competitions within the United States is described. Sample contest problems are included. (DT)

Although partially specified goals are sometimes thought to result from the uncertainties of ill-structured problems, analysis of human problem solving shows that indefinite goals are used in solving problems that are otherwise well structured. The example studied is taken from plane geometry and involves proving that two triangles are congruent.…

To examine the relationship between response accuracy and tempo, as measured by the Matching Familiar Figures Test (MFF) and criterion measures, 233 7-, 9-, and 11-year-olds were given the MFF, two problem-solving tasks, and a test of academic achievement. (Author/JH)

Presents a psychiatric nurse's reflections which demonstrate the time it took her to overcome years of abuse, neglect, and failure in her childhood and adolescence. Emphasizes the importance of patience and the development of problem-solving abilities. Focuses on hope and instilling the belief that a situation will improve. (RJM)

Studied what modes were preferred by inmates to resolve conflict in a correctional setting and measured whether 66 inmates' participation in a 12-hour cognitive treatment program would improve their ability to handle conflict. Findings indicate that cognitive training programs hold promise in the minimum security correctional environment. (RJM)

Presents case study data of low- and high-achieving nine-year olds focusing on construction and analogical transfer of mathematical knowledge during novel problem solving, as reflected in strategies for dealing with isomorphic combinatorial problems presented in hands-on and written form. Results showed that achievement level does not predict…

Discusses schematic modeling and describes an experiment in which Lebanese high school and college students participated in problem-solving tutorials that followed a schematic modeling approach. Results indicate that both groups improved significantly in problem-solving performance and the course achievement of students in the college group was…

Presents a genetics simulation that uses a noncomputer version of BioQUEST's Genetics Construction Kit. Provides students with opportunities for solving realistic genetics problems and allows them to experience how classical geneticists think. Discusses the problem's search space, thinking qualitatively, hypothesis generation and testing, thinking…

Presents a mathematics problem involving speed of a walking student versus speed of light reflection in a high school hallway. (MKR)