Decision Processes and Creativity

Advisor Information

Roni Reiter-Palmon

Location

Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library

Presentation Type

Poster

Start Date

7-3-2014 1:00 PM

End Date

7-3-2014 4:00 PM

Abstract

Previous research examining problem construction and creativity focused narrowly on the divergent thinking sub-process of problem construction. However, convergent thinking undeniably occurs during problem construction and its influence on creative problem solving has gone largely under-studieTo examine the unique and cumulative effects of divergent and convergent problem construction processes on creative decision making, an experimental study was conducted in which participants were assigned to one of five conditions and asked to creatively solve an ill-defined story problem. The first four conditions were based on a 2 (divergent thinking method A vs. divergent thinking method B) x 2 (convergent thinking vs. no convergent thinking) design, with the fifth condition acting as control condition that asked participants to creatively solve the problem without any mention of problem construction. Results of the study indicated that after controlling for general intelligence, divergent thinking ability, convergent thinking ability, self-efficacy, and task interest, the type of instructions used to initiate divergent thinking during problem construction did not influence participants’ creativity. However, participants instructed to engage in convergent thinking during problem construction generated more creative solutions than those who were not instructed to engage in convergent thinking. Thus, the current study suggests that the method by which problem construction is initiated is less important than ensuring one intentionally converges on the elements of the problem that are most salient to generating a creative solution.

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Mar 7th, 1:00 PM Mar 7th, 4:00 PM

Decision Processes and Creativity

Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library

Previous research examining problem construction and creativity focused narrowly on the divergent thinking sub-process of problem construction. However, convergent thinking undeniably occurs during problem construction and its influence on creative problem solving has gone largely under-studieTo examine the unique and cumulative effects of divergent and convergent problem construction processes on creative decision making, an experimental study was conducted in which participants were assigned to one of five conditions and asked to creatively solve an ill-defined story problem. The first four conditions were based on a 2 (divergent thinking method A vs. divergent thinking method B) x 2 (convergent thinking vs. no convergent thinking) design, with the fifth condition acting as control condition that asked participants to creatively solve the problem without any mention of problem construction. Results of the study indicated that after controlling for general intelligence, divergent thinking ability, convergent thinking ability, self-efficacy, and task interest, the type of instructions used to initiate divergent thinking during problem construction did not influence participants’ creativity. However, participants instructed to engage in convergent thinking during problem construction generated more creative solutions than those who were not instructed to engage in convergent thinking. Thus, the current study suggests that the method by which problem construction is initiated is less important than ensuring one intentionally converges on the elements of the problem that are most salient to generating a creative solution.