Tradeoffs between ideas and structure: Individual versus group performancein creative problem solving

The present effort was intended to assess how situational variables influen ce the relative performance of groups and individuals on creative problem-s olving tasks. More specifically, a priming manipulation was used to increas e the number of alternatives available for problem solving while training w as used to provide groups with shared mental models bearing on the problem. It was found that having more ideas available led to better individual per formance. Group performance, however, was enhanced by training appropriate to problem content that allowed for elaboration and refinement of ideas. Th ese findings indicate that interventions intended to enhance creativity may have different effects at the individual and group level. The need to cons ider multiple levels of situational influences in attempts to understand cr eative achievement is discussed.