Creative Problem Solving Process

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The Creative Problem Solving Process (CPS) was developed by Alex Osborn and Dr. Sidney J. Parnes in the 1950s. CPS is a structured method for generating solutions to problems. This method is taught at the International Center for Studies in Creativity,[1] the Creative Problem Solving Institute,[2] and CREA Conference.[3] It is specifically acknowledged as a key influence for the Productive Thinking Model.[4]

Contents

[edit] Origins

CPS or the Osborn Parnes Creative Problem Solving Process was first proposed by Alex Osborne in his book Applied Imagination. It was developed and refined in the second edition of Applied Imagination[5] and was further refined by Osborn and Dr. Sid Parnes as described in the Creative Behavior Guidebook.*[6]

[edit] The process

CPS has undergone continual refinement and revision over the years and now exists in various forms. The most common of these is a six stage process, each with a divergent and a convergent phase.

  • Stage 1: Objective Finding (or Mess Finding): Sensitise yourself for issues that need to be tackled.
  • Stage 2: Fact Finding: Gather information about the problem.
  • Stage 3: Problem Finding: convert a fuzzy statement of the problem into a broad statement more suitable for idea finding.
  • Stage 4: Idea Finding: generate as many ideas as possible
  • Stage 5: Solution finding: Generate and select obvious evaluation criteria and develop the short-listed ideas from Idea Finding as much as possible in the light of these criteria. Then choose the best of these improved ideas for further development
  • Stage 6: Acceptance finding: How can the suggestion you have just selected be made up to standard and put into practice?

The acronym OFPISA is often used as a mnemonic for these steps.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ ICSC Course Descriptions. International Center for Studies in Creativity. Retrieved on 2007-12-22.
  2. ^ Creative Problem Solving Institute. Creative Education Foundation. Retrieved on 2007-12-22.
  3. ^ Programs. CREA Conference. Creativity European Association. Retrieved on 2008-01-07.
  4. ^ Hurson, Tim (2007). Think Better: An Innovator's Guide to Productive Thinking. New York, New York: McGraw Hill, xii. ISBN 978-0071494939. 
  5. ^ Osborn, Alex (1963). Applied Imagination: Principles and Procedures of Creative Problem Solving. New York, New York: Charles Scribner's Sons. ISBN 978-0023895203. 
  6. ^ Parnes, Sidney J. (1967). Creative Behavior Guidebook. Charles Scribner's Sons. 
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