PROBLEM CONSTRUCTION AND CREATIVITY - THE ROLE OF ABILITY, CUE CONSISTENCY, AND ACTIVE PROCESSING

Problem construction has been suggested as the first step in creative problem solving, but our understanding of the underlying process is li mited. According to a model of problem construction (Mumford, Reiter-P almon, & Redmond 1994), problem construction ability, active engagemen t in problem construction, and the presence of diverse and inconsisten t cues influence creative problem solving. To test these hypotheses, 1 95 undergraduates were asked to solve 6 real-life problems and complet e a measure of problem construction ability. Active engagement in prob lem construction was manipulated by instructions to the participants. Cue consistency was manipulated by the information presented in the pr oblem situation. The quality, originality, and creativity of the solut ions were evaluated. Results indicated that problem construction abili ty was related to higher qualify solutions as well as solutions rated as more original. Problem construction ability also interacted with cu e consistency such that individuals with high problem construction abi lity produced solutions of higher quality and originality when faced w ith inconsistent cues. The implication of these findings to our unders tanding of creative problem solving and the problem construction proce ss are discussed.