Stimulating Creative Problem Solving: Innovative Set

Abstract

This study was designed to determine whether a set toward innovative problem solving can be induced via an instructional manipulation. Performance of Ss given standard instructions for the Changing Work Procedures case (Maier, 1952, 1965) was compared with that of Ss given experimental instructions designed to foster confidence in their originality and problem-solving ability. 475 undergraduate Ss (348 males and 127 females) were randomly assigned to the standard and experimental conditions. It was found that Ss given experimental instructions generated innovative solutions significantly more often than those given standard instructions. The performance of females was improved to a greater extent than that of males. The results suggest that the tendency to accept obvious solutions prevents individuals from performing up to their capacities; and it appears that current programs of research designed to identify highly creative individuals could well be complemented by studies of short-term determinants of innovative behavior.