Generating alternative solutions to social problems : an evaluation of active and inactive approaches

Abstract

Two experiments were designed to compare methods of generation used in solving social problems. First, the experimenters explored the effectiveness of a new approach based on hierarchical organization. One hour of training was sufficient for subjects to learn the technique.Subjects reported that they found the hierarchical technique to be very valuable and easy to use.The purpose of the second experiment was to compare three methods of generation, two active methods and an inactive approach. Clearly, active participants generated more solutions to a social problem than subjects in the inactive condition. This result points to the importance of direct problem solving training.The performance of participants in the active hierarchical and brainstorming conditions was compared. Although the two approaches were equally effective in facilitating the production of numerous, quality solutions, the experimenters found the hierarchical technique to be a superior method of generation for practical problems.