Abstract
Problem finding or problem construction is commonly seen as the first step in creative problem-solving. Problem construction consists of two main aspects. The first aspect focuses on the identification of problems in the environment. The second aspect of problem construction focuses on the structure and description of a problem in order to then create a solution. The problem construction process most often occurs quickly and automatically; however, actively engaging in problem construction has been linked to an increase in creativity. Additionally, problem construction has been associated with creativity across a wide range of domains. There are a variety of factors that may affect problem construction, such as expertise and personality variables, as well as the amount of time or information provided to the problem-solver. While problem construction tends to be automatic, training in problem construction or instructions to actively engage in problem construction increase creativity. Engaging in the problem construction process takes time and requires effort on the part of the problem-solver. Problem construction provides a road map for the possible. Goals identified in the problem construction process relate to what is possible, which constraints relate to what is impossible.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
References
Abdulla, A. M., Paek, S. H., Cramond, B., & Runco, M. A. (2018). Problem finding and creativity: A meta-analytic review. Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1037/aca0000194.
Baer, J. M. (1988). Long-term effects of creativity training with middle school students. Journal of Early Adolescence, 8, 183–193. https://doi.org/10.1177/0272431688082006.
Basadur, M. (1995). Optimal ideation-evaluation ratios. Creativity Research Journal, 8, 63–75.
Butler, A. B., Scherer, L. L., & Reiter-Palmon, R. (2003). Effects of solution elicitation aids and need for cognition on the generation of solutions to ill-structured problems. Creativity Research Journal, 15(2), 235–244.
Getzels, J. W., & Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1975). From problem-solving to problem finding, In I. A. Taylor & J. W. Getzels (Eds.), Perspectives in Creativity (pp. 90–116). Chicago: Aldine.
Guilford, J. (1967). Creativity: Yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Journal of Creative Behavior, 1, 3–14.
Holyoak, K. (1984). Mental models in problem solving. In J. R. Anderson & K. M. Kosslyn (Eds.), Tutorials in working memory (pp. 193–218). New York: Freeman.
Ma, H. H. (2009). The effect size of variables associated with creativity: A meta-analysis. Creativity Research Journal, 21(1), 30–42. https://doi.org/10.1080/10400410802633400.
Mumford, M. D., Mobley, M. I., Reiter-Palmon, R., Uhlman, C. E., & Doares, L. M. (1991). Process analytic models of creative capacities. Creativity Research Journal, 4, 91–122.
Mumford, M. D., Reiter-Palmon, R., & Redmond, M. R. (1994). Problem construction and cognition: Applying problem representations in ill-defined domains. In M. A. Runco (Ed.), Problem finding, problem solving, and creativity (pp. 3–39). Norwood: Ablex.
Okuda, S. M., Runco, M. A., & Berger, D. E. (1991). Creativity and the finding and solving of real-world problems. Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment, 9, 45–53.
Redmond, M., Mumford, M., & Teach, R. (1993). Putting creativity to work: Effects of leader behavior on subordinate creativity. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 55, 120–151. https://doi.org/10.1006/obhd.1993.1027.
Reiter-Palmon, R., & Robinson, E. (2009). Problem identification and construction: What do we know, what is the future? Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts, 3, 43–47. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0014629.
Reiter-Palmon, R., Mumford, M., O’Connor Boes, J., & Runco, M. (1997). Problem construction and creativity: The role of ability, cue consistency and active processing. Creativity Research Journal, 10, 9–23. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15326934crj1001_2.
Reiter-Palmon, R., Mumford, M. D., & Threlfall, K. V. (1998). Solving everyday problems creatively: The role of problem construction and personality type. Creativity Research Journal, 11(3), 187–197.
Rostan, S. M. (1997). A study of young artists: The development of artistic talent and creativity. Creativity Research Journal, 10(2–3), 175–192. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15326934crj1002&3_6.
Runco, M., & Okuda, S. (1988). Problem discovery, divergent thinking, and the creative process. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 17, 211–220. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01538162.
Scott, G., Leritz, L. E., & Mumford, M. D. (2004). The effectiveness of creativity training: A quantitative review. Creativity Research Journal, 16(4), 361–388. https://doi.org/10.1080/10400410409534549.
Stokes, P. D. (2014). Thinking inside the tool box: Creativity, constraints, and the colossal portraits of chuck close. Journal of Creative Behavior, 48, 276–289. https://doi.org/10.1002/jocb.52.
Vernon, D., & Hocking, I. (2016). Beyond belief: Structured techniques prove more effective than a placebo intervention in a problem construction task. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 19, 153–159. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2015.10.009.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Section Editor information
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2022 Springer Nature Switzerland AG
About this entry
Cite this entry
Reiter-Palmon, R., Ahmed, S. (2022). Problem Finding. In: Glăveanu, V.P. (eds) The Palgrave Encyclopedia of the Possible. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-90913-0_72
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-90913-0_72
Published:
Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-030-90912-3
Online ISBN: 978-3-030-90913-0
eBook Packages: Behavioral Science and PsychologyReference Module Humanities and Social SciencesReference Module Business, Economics and Social Sciences