SOLVING EVERYDAY PROBLEMS CREATIVELY - THE ROLE OF PROBLEM CONSTRUCTION AND PERSONALITY TYPE

Problem construction has been determined to be an important process co ntributing to creative problem solving. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether problem construction plays a role in how indivi duals interpret ambiguous, ill-defined problems in a way that fits wit h their personality. We also hypothesized that solution quality and or iginality would be related not only to problem construction ability bu t also to the degree to which the solution fits the personality of the individual. Students who participated in this study (N = 195) were as ked to complete measures to identify personality types, a measure of p roblem construction ability, and a problem-solving exercise. Solutions were rated for fit of the solution to the personality, quality, and o riginality. Results suggest that problem construction ability is posit ively related to the fit of the solution to the personality type, and that solution quality and originality are related to both problem cons truction and solution fit. implications of the role of problem constru ction in solving everyday problems are discussed.