AFH 1 · Chapter 16 · Section 16.18

Creative Thinking and Creative Problem Solving

Part of Developing Ideas · 3 sections · ~872 words · WAPS PFE study material

📝 Practice 3,000+ WAPS questions on RankLab — free for E-5 and E-6 prep.

Try Free →

Creative Thinking — Divergent vs Convergent Thinking

Two Components

2 Components

Creative problem solving involves two distinct components:

Divergent Thinking
Convergent Thinking

Divergent Thinking

Divergent Thinking Definition

Divergent Thinking is defined as the ability to generate multiple varied solutions to a given problem.

Brainstorming = Divergent

Brainstorming is a divergent thinking task.

Convergent Thinking

Convergent Thinking Definition

Convergent Thinking, in contrast, is a process that seeks out the correct or best possible solution (from identified possibilities).

Education Effect

With formal education and training:

We tend to improve in Convergent Thinking skills
We tend NOT to improve (may even worsen) on Divergent Thinking

Both Important

Yet both processes are important for effective problem solving.

Osborn-Parnes Model

The Osborn-Parnes model is one recommended problem solving approach that incorporates Divergent and Convergent Thinking.

Deferred Judgment

Deferred Judgment Principle

Central to this approach is the principle of deferred judgment. This principle requires that we:

Allow a period of time to let ideas flow freely (apply Divergent Thinking) without internal or external evaluation
Only AFTER we have identified many possible ideas, should we evaluate them (apply Convergent Thinking)

Stage Pattern

The model consists of stages: each stage involves successive Divergent and Convergent Thinking tasks (in each stage, letting ideas flow freely before applying judgment).

Creative Thinking — Osborn-Parnes Stages 1-3 (Mess Finding, Data Finding, Problem Finding)

Stage 1: Mess Finding

Stage 1 Mess Finding

Identify the problem that you want to address.

Mess Finding Questions

What do you want to change?

How To Statement

Summarize the problem as a "How to..." statement (e.g., "How to reduce the number of Airmen calling in sick").

Stage 2: Data Finding

Stage 2 Data Finding

Seek out all relevant facts that apply to the situation.

The Five Ws

5 Ws

Ask the five Ws:

Who is involved?
What is involved? What are some examples of the problem?
When does it or will it happen?
Where does it or will it happen?
Why does it happen?

Identify Missing Facts

Then try to identify:

What additional facts about the situation are lacking
Where you might search for them

Get the Facts

Get the facts.

Stage 3: Problem Finding

Stage 3 Problem Finding

Describe what you want to accomplish in more specific terms.

IWWMW

IWWMW Question

Ask yourself: "In What Ways Might We…" (IWWMW) address the situation.

Brainstorm Statements

Brainstorm Many Statements

Brainstorm many problem statements.

Reflect on Concerns

What you initially thought you wanted to accomplish might reflect another concern, desire, or need.

Selection

Problem Statement Selection

After reflection, select the problem statement(s) that captures the most important or underlying problem (e.g., "Decrease the spread of COVID-19 in the squadron").

Creative Thinking — Osborn-Parnes Stages 4-6 (Idea Finding, Solution Finding, Acceptance Finding)

Stage 4: Idea Finding

Stage 4 Idea Finding

Identify as many potential solutions to the problem as possible.

Many Ideas Critical

Thinking of many ideas (even far-out, odd, or unusual ideas) is critical.

Write All Ideas

Write all the ideas down.

Numeric Goals

Numeric Goal Example

It is often helpful to set a numeric goal (e.g., 50-75 ideas) before you discuss or review the ideas.

Incubation

If time permits, incubate (sleep on it, let your mind wander) to generate additional ideas.

Mood + Rest

Positive mood and rest facilitate brainstorming.

Anonymous Ideas

In a group setting, it can sometimes help to have members offer ideas anonymously.

Extrinsic Motivation Risk

Extrinsic motivations (e.g., to impress others with great ideas) can undermine divergent thinking.

Anonymity Helps Safety

Anonymity may help group members feel safe to put forward ideas that go beyond the tried-and-true.

Then Evaluate

Only AFTER you have allowed time to generate many ideas should you begin to evaluate them and narrow the list (e.g., to select 6-8 ideas that seem to have the greatest potential).

Stage 5: Solution Finding

Stage 5 Solution Finding

Use a list of selected criteria to choose the best solution.

Preliminary Criteria

First create a preliminary list of criteria that should be used to evaluate your ideas (e.g., time, cost, feasibility, safety, impact on morale).

Weight the Criteria

Identify which criteria are most critical and assign a weight to the importance of each criteria (e.g., using a 1-10 scale, where 10 is most important).

Decision Matrix

Then use a decision matrix to rate each idea (each potential solution) on each of the criteria.

Multiply Ratings

Multiply by Weight

Multiply the ratings by the weight assigned to each of the criteria.

Best Solutions

Idea(s) that are evaluated most favorably on the highest weighted criteria should be the preferred solution(s).

Stage 6: Acceptance Finding

Stage 6 Acceptance Finding

Attempt to gain acceptance for the solution, then:

Develop a plan of action
Implement the solution (follow through)

Ready to test what you've learned?

RankLab has 3,000+ WAPS-style practice questions covering every AFH 1 chapter.

Start Free Practice →