Two experiments involving 44 Hong Kong undergraduates revealed that solving novel conceptual combination problems could enhance performance in a subsequent test of creativity. The evidence also showed that the beneficial effects of solving novel conceptual combination problems were mediated in part by the use of novel conceptual combination…

Results from a 4-year study tracking creative problem-solving success rates among 952 managers in 8-person teams (4 planners and 4 implementers) are reported. Coordination of subteam role (task) with Kirton Adaption Innovation Inventory (KAI) type significantly increased group success rates, while placing KAI types outside their preferred roles…

Presents a historical overview of visualization as a cognitive strategy in human creativity, discovery, and problem-solving. Highlights include visualization as a cognitive strategy for solving everyday problems; visualization by scientists and inventors; counter examples; and implications for multimedia learning environments, instructional…

Subjects (n=156) completed the Kirton Adaptation-Innovation Inventory as well as Guilford's Consequences and Alternate Uses tests. Compared to adaptors, innovators produced a higher number of uncommon responses on the Consequences test and produced more responses on the Alternate Uses test. Results are discussed with reference to the distinction…

Two hypotheses derived from the theory of action identification, which predicts that people are more likely to adopt a novel course of action if they concentrate on the "how" rather than the "why" aspects of their behavior, were tested with 95 undergraduate students. Hypotheses examined how the level of action identification…

This paper first reviews the theory of group creativity and then examines characteristics of electronic brainstorming that make it more effective than verbal brainstorming. The success of electronic brainstorming suggests it might be the key to overcoming the space and time constraints commonly faced by a creativity group. (Author/DB)

This essay describes the use of I Ching hexagrams as a focus to improve the ability of college student groups to evolve creative solutions and improve decision-making skills. The philosophy of I Ching is briefly explained, and examples are given of hexagram interpretations which are applicable to group discussion and problem solving. (DB)

This study investigated the long-term impact of the Master of Science Degree in Creative Studies at Buffalo State College (New York) on the personal and professional lives of 38 graduates. Results indicated that graduates have integrated their knowledge of creative problem solving into both their professional and personal lives. Six tables detail…

Comparison of 107 kindergarten children who either were or were not in a gifted program and received or did not receive special training in synectics (a strategy to facilitate creative thinking) found significant improvement in creativity scores for experimental but not control groups but not more for gifted than for nongifted children. (Author/DB)

Measures of learning appropriate to museums are explored, including the following: (1) time on task; (2) knowledge gain; (3) thinking and problem solving; (4) motivation; and (5) creativity or intellectual provocation. Museums promote different kinds of learning, but all are interested in knowledge gain and thinking. (SLD)

Future scenario writing is presented as a combined writing and problem-solving technique that identifies alternative ways of thinking about situations. Uses of future scenario writing in family problem solving include setting family goals, communicating growth resulting from new experiences, resolving family problems, encouraging family…

The Future Problem Solving Program involves teams of students from grades 4-12 in creative problem solving. The teams complete practice problems and competitive problems. Winning teams go on to state and international competitions. Other program components include noncompetitive problem solving for primary-level students, community problem…

Four young men who had participated in the national competition of the Future Problem Solving (FPS) Program 10 years earlier offer reflections about their FPS experience. Their coach concludes that the program equips young people with the vision and skills needed to anticipate and solve problems and build better tomorrows. (JDD)

Makes recommendations for new science teachers about what to do in the middle level classroom. Advocates being creative in the classroom and in finding resources. (YDS)

This paper describes a creative approach for training counselor and counselor educators that provides collaborative interactions among students and faculty in several university training programs. Structured around a problem-solving activity and self-reflection questionnaires, undergraduate teachers-in-training were given an opportunity to receive…