Ch 3 - Solving Problems Analytically and Creatively

Question 1

Creative problem solving

Answer 1

Preparation, Incubation, Illumination, & Verification

Question 2

Preparation

Answer 2

Includes gathering data, defining a problem, generating alternatives, and consciously examining all available information.

Question 3

Incubation

Answer 3

Involves mostly unconscious mental activity in which the mind combines unrelated thoughts in pursuit of a solution.

Question 4

Illumination

Answer 4

Occurs when an insight is recognized and a creative solution is articulated.

Question 5

Verification

Answer 5

Involves evaluating the creative solution relative to some standard of acceptability.

Question 6

Types of pursuing creativity

Answer 6

Incubation, Imagination, Improvement, & Investment

Question 7

Incubation

Answer 7

Tend to be team players and to foster trust and cohesion.

Question 8

Imagination

Answer 8

Tend to be experimenters and entrepreneurs.

Question 9

Improvement

Answer 9

Tend to develop better alternatives and improve upon what already exists.

Question 10

Investment

Answer 10

Tend to meet challenges head-on, adopt a competitive posture, and focus on achieving results faster than others.

Question 11

Perceptual stereotyping

Answer 11

Defining a problem by using preconceptions based on past experiences, preventing the problem from being viewed in novel ways.

Question 12

Noninquisitiveness

Answer 12

The failure to ask questions, obtain information, or search for data.

Question 13

Synectics

Answer 13

Technique for improving creative problem solving by putting something you don’t know in terms of something you do know.

Question 14

Flexibility of thought

Answer 14

The diversity of ideas or concepts generated.

Question 15

4 types of analogies that are recommended as part of synectics

Answer 15

Personal analogies, Direct analogies, Symbolic analogies, & Fantasy analogies

Question 16

Personal analogies

Answer 16

A synectic problem-solving technique in which individuals try to identify themselves as the problem, asking, “If I were the problem, what would I like? What would satisfy me?”

Question 17

Direct analogies

Answer 17

A synectic problem-solving technique in which individuals apply facts, technology, and previous experience to solving a problem.

Question 18

Symbolic analogies

Answer 18

A synectic problem-solving technique where symbols or images are imposed on the problem.

Question 19

Fantasy analogies

Answer 19

A synectic problem-solving technique in which individuals ask, “In my wildest dreams, how would I wish the problem to be resolved?”

Question 20

Problem-solving model

Answer 20

Step 1: Define a problem: Determining whose problem & differentiating fact from opinion
Step 2: Generate alternative: Postponing evaluation
Step 3: Evaluating systematically
Step 4: Implement and follow up on the solution: Providing opportunities for feedback

Question 21

Conceptual block

Answer 21

Inhibits creative thinking

Question 22

4 conceptual block

Answer 22

Compression, Constancy, Commitment, & Complacency:

Question 23

Compression

Answer 23

Individuals look too narrowly at a problem, screen out too much relevant data, and make assumptions that inhibit problem solving.

Question 24

Constancy

Answer 24

Individuals become wedded to one way of looking at a problem.

Question 25

Commitment

Answer 25

Individuals become married to a particular point of view, definition, or solution, making it likely that they will follow through on that commitment.

Question 26

Complacency

Answer 26

A lack of questioning and a bias against thinking.

Question 27

4 ways of defining a problem in a single way and then pursuing that definition without deviation until a solution is reached

Answer 27

Vertical thinking, Ambidextrous thinking, Janusian thinking, & Thinking languages

Question 28

Vertical thinking

Answer 28

Defining a problem in a single way and then pursuing that definition without deviation until a solution is reached.

Question 29

Ambidextrous thinking

Answer 29

The use of both the left and right sides of the brain, indicative of the most creative problem solvers.

Question 30

Janusian thinking

Answer 30

Thinking contradictory thoughts at the same time. It is conceiving two opposing ideas to be true concurrently.

Question 31

Thinking languages

Answer 31

The various ways in which a problem can be considered, from verbal to nonverbal or symbolic languages as well as through sensory and visual imagery. Using only one thinking language is one indication of the constancy block.