Toward a Model of Creativity Based upon Problem Solving in the Social Sciences

Abstract

in this chapter, we attempt to address some of the complexities of the creative process by presenting a model that views the creative process as a special case of problem solving, and, in particular, as the solving of an ill-structured problem (from the chapter) we begin in the first section, with an analysis of the solving of ill-structured problems, followed by an "unpacking" of the model that emphasizes the interactive role of prior knowledge and mental search / in the third section, we consider how, within the context of the model, value and affect play a role in the creative process / in the fourth section, we address the issue of creativity in the social sciences / in the final section, we close with a few remarks regarding how instruction may influence the development of creativity in the social sciences (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2007 APA, all rights reserved)