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Osborn-Parne's Creative Problem Solving (CPS) process


The Creative Problem Solving process is a flexible tool that can be used to examine real problems and issues. Developed by 'brainstorming' creator Alex Osborn and Dr Sidney Parnes, the six stages to the model, provide a structured procedure for identifying challenges, generating ideas and implementing innovative solutions. Through continued practice and use of the process students can strengthen their creative techniques and learn to generalise in new situations.

The process flows logically through the six steps of:

  1. Objective (Mess) Finding - identifying the goal, challenge and future direction.
  2. Fact Finding - collecting data about the problem, observing the problem as objectively as possible.
  3. Problem Solving - examining the various parts of the problem to isolate the major part, stating the problem in an open-ended way.
  4. Idea Finding - generating as many ideas as possible regarding the problem, brainstorming.
  5. Solution Finding - choosing the solution that would be most appropriate, developing and selecting criteria to evaluate the alternative solutions.
  6. Acceptance Finding - creating a plan of action.

Unlike many other problem-solving methods, the process emphasises the need to defer judgement on possible ideas and solutions until a final decision is made. In this way, the flow of ideas in the third step is not interrupted, and possible solutions, however, bizarre, are accepted. The teacher's role at this step is very important, creating an environment in which students can feel comfortable in making suggestions. Quantity of ideas is required in brainstorming, not quality.

Maker CJ (1982) Teaching models in the education of the gifted Austin: Pro-Ed.

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Activities

Creative problem solving activitities

The process can be used as a means of solving a multitude of problems at both group and individual levels. Provided that the problem is stated in an open-ended manner, students can apply the various stages to outline possible solutions and then apply the evaluation criteria. It is strongly suggested that a program for gifted students not be based entirely on the process, but that it be used in conjunction with other activities that would encourage higher-order thinking skills.

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External web links

BC Ministry of Education
This site provides an adaptation of the Osborn-Parnes CPS model by Treffinger, Isaksen and Dorval: 1994 as well as a BC Grade 2 activity.If I were a Mayor...

CPS Model
Notes from Gary Davis's Creativity is Forever - 1998 Kendall Hunt
The article outlines the Osborn-Parnes Creative Problem Solving (CPS) model using six stages to guide the creative process.

Alex Osborn
This site provides an insight into 'The Father of Brainstorming' Alex F. Osborn. Outlining Osborn's research in creativity and imagination that led to the development of a process called brainstorming.

Project Renaissance
Win Wenger, Ph.D. provides the opportunity to learn about highly effective techniques for CPS. The site includes additional techniques worth using including Gravel Gulch: 4 steps to Problem Solving, Image-Streaming and High Thinktank procedures.