The Creative Problem Solving (CPS) process is based on the research and findings of Dr.

Sidney Parnes and Dr. Alex Osborn. The original ten-step process has been synthesized into five stages. This is not a lock-step method, but a guide that takes one from a problem situation to a workable solution. Each stage entails both divergent and convergent thinking skills. Solving problems creatively is a skill that can be learned. It must be practiced like any other skill to become proficient at it. To ensure a clear understanding of the stages of the CPS process, it is advisable to work on various techniques for each stage separately. Eventually, one chooses the techniques most useful for each stage as they progress through the process. No one technique will work for every problem. Different techniques are designed for different problem situations.
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During this stage, the "problem" situation is briefly described as seen at this time. Examples of mess finding questions and comments:

Describe the situation as you see it. Talk about your situation. Summarize your situation in one sentence.

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This stage focuses on the gathering of facts and impressions about the situation. Examples of guideline questions for data finding:

Who. . . Which people are involved? Who does this situation affect? What . . .List things that are involved. What feelings or circumstances are related to this situation? When . . .When did this happen (year, month, day hour etc.)? Are there any times or dates involved? Where . . .Where is the physical location of this situation? Are there any other places involved? How . . . How did this situation come about? How come you or others are involved? How has this situation affected other areas of your life?

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Who? How?

What? Where? When? Why?

Information

Impressions

Observations

Feelings

Questions

During this stage, specific problem statements are developed. The problem should be stated in as many ways as possible. Each statement should begin with the words, "In what ways might I . . .?" (IWWMI. . .?) State the problem from many points of view. Examples of problem finding statements are:

State the situation. IWWMI . . .? What is the end goal? IWWMI . . .? Why do you want the situation solved? What is the result of the situation? Is there another way to deal with the situation? What about the situation or result is most disturbing to you? IWWMI . . .?

This is the stsge that defines ownership for the problem. The IWWM should end with I, our team, our community, etc. We can only effectively solve the problems for which we take ownership.

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LADDER of ABSTRACTION
IWWMI... IWWMI...

IWWMI...

Why else? Why? IWWMI...

Why else?

How? IWWMI...

How else?

How else? IWWMI...

IWWMI...

This stage is designed to help one brainstorm many possible solutions to the problem statement. The emphasis is on producing a large number of varied ideas in a short period of time.

Examples of idea finding questions: List many solutions for the problem situaion. They can be obvious and unusual. What else might you do? What fun ways might you use to solve the situation? Relate the problem to a common sound or object. What ideas do you think of? In what ways might a book or story relate to the problem?

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Brainwriting

Problem Statement __________________________________________________________________

This step helps one set the criteria and weigh ideas generated against the criteria. Criteria are the guidelines, standards or measuring sticks one needs to consider when making a decision about which solution to pursue.

Examples of criteria generating questions: What things do you need to think about when making this decision? What standards must the solutions meet? What questions will others ask about your decision?

After many criteria have been listed, select the ones you feel are most significant. The criteria and alternative solutions may be put on a grid for weighing. Each alternative is weighed against each criteria and given a number value. The grid can also be used as a guide. If the idea you like the best comes out with the lowest number value, the grid will point out the weaknesses of the idea. From all the possible solutions, chose one to implement.

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Name _________________________________

Solution Finding - Criteria Development

Criteria Thought Guides
standards describes the ideal worded in the positive musts wants

An ideal __________________ will . . .

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Mark the criteria you want to use. Turn each marked criteria into a criteria question.

Name ____________________________________________

CPS - Solution Finding

criteria

Number Scale excellent

__________

_________

poor

alternatives

Total

This stage is has two parts. It involves gaining acceptance for the idea and writing a plan of action for putting the solution into effect. Examples of acceptance finding questions: Who will help me make this idea work? Which methods will be effective in selling this idea? Who will resist this idea? Why? How might resistance be overcome? How might I pretest this idea? What advantages can I show for this idea? Examples of plan of action questions: Who is involved? What things are needed to implement this idea? How long will it take to implement this idea? What problems might arise during implementation? How can they be overcome?
When all the steps of the Creative Provblem Solving Process are completed, it is not unusual to discover a whole new problem, especially if the original problem was complicated. J. Juntune The new problem is then taken through the CPS process.

Gaining Acceptance
observability

compatibility

assisters

resisters

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Acceptance Finding - Plan of Action

Summarize the action that will be taken

Steps for carrying out the plan

Person Date responsible completed

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

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CPS Stage Products