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- Vol 4 RE: Chapter 24
creative problem solvingdivergent thinkingconvergent thinkingaffirmative judgementcreative potentialfacilitationcreative climaterisk takingJournal article Evidence summaryAt a glance
Isaksen traces the evolution of deliberate Creative Problem Solving (CPS) and argues that creative potential develops through the interaction of process, people, and place. Contemporary CPS balances divergent thinking—generating many, varied, and original possibilities—with convergent thinking that uses affirmative judgement to select, strengthen, and implement promising options.
Key ideas
Its flexible components help people understand a challenge, generate ideas, prepare for action, and plan an approach rather than follow a rigid sequence. Individual preferences matter: people differ in orientation to change, preferred ways of processing, and decision style, so facilitation should use diversity productively. Context also matters. A climate characterised by challenge, freedom, trust, idea support, playfulness, constructive debate, risk taking, and manageable conflict can enable creativity, whereas hostile conditions suppress application even after good training.
Why it matters
Isaksen integrates historical reflection, research programmes, tools, and practitioner experience rather than reporting one new experiment. His main claim is systemic: teaching techniques alone are insufficient unless learners can navigate the process, work with differing people, and apply creativity in a supportive environment.
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Edition abbreviations
- TE
- Teacher Edition
- PE
- Practice Edition
- RE
- Research Edition
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