This document introduces the concept of Creative Problem Solving (CPS), which is a framework developed by Alex Osborn and Sidney Parnes to apply creative thinking processes to solve problems. The CPS method involves 6 sequential steps - objective finding, fact finding, problem finding, idea finding, solution finding, and acceptance finding - with an emphasis on divergent and convergent thinking. Examples of CPS tasks are provided to illustrate how it can be applied in classroom settings to teach both content and creative problem-solving skills.

1. AN INTRODUCTION TO
CREATIVE PROBLEM
SOLVING

2. WHAT IS
CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING?
Creative Problem Solving (CPS) is a framework
to apply creative-thinking processes to solve
problems. Embedded in the model are tools
and strategies that, when placed in the hands
of students, allow them to be engaged in a
process for thinking both creatively and
critically.
The Creative Problem Solving method is not
just for school use. It should develop habits of
mind in students that benefit them for a
lifetime.

3. WHO DEVELOPED
CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING?
There are several (similar) models of creative
problem solving that have been heavily
researched and used in both business and
education settings.
The model discussed here was developed by
Alex Osborn and Sidney Parnes.

4. THE 6 STEPS OF
CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING
1. Object ive (Mess) Finding:
Select a problem.
2. Fact Finding:
List what you know.
3. Problem Finding:
What is the real problem?
4. Idea Finding:
Brainstorm ideas.
5. Solut ion Finding:
How wi l l you evaluate your ideas?
Which is best?
6. Acceptance Finding:
Find ways to put ideas into act ion.
*Whi le these steps are presented
sequent ial ly, i t is common to move
back and for th between steps as
indicated in the diagram.

5. STEP 1:
OBJECTIVE (MESS) FINDING
The first step in taking action is
to identify a situation which
presents a challenge… an
oppor tunity… or is a concern
that you want to do something
about or is an objective you
desire to attain.

6. STEP 2:
FACT FINDING
List al l the key facts associated wi th your
si tuat ion or your desi red object ive as you
perceive them. Ask yoursel f :
 Who is involved?
 What is involved?
 What are some examples of the problem?
 What causes the problem?
 When wi l l i t happen?
 Where does i t or wi l l i t happen?
 How does i t or wi l l i t happen?
 Why does i t happen?
 Are there any more problems caused by the
 si tuat ion?
Then ask quest ions per taining to what
addi t ional facts you would l ike to know and
where you might search for them.

7. STEP 3:
PROBLEM FINDING
Considering the data you have
gathered about your situation
during Fact Finding, determine
what you want to accomplish in
more specific terms. Ask
yourself the following questions:
 What is the real problem?
 What is my objective?
 What do I want to accomplish?
 What are my concerns?
 What is my challenge?

8. STEP 4:
IDEA FINDING
Try to answer your problem
statement with many ideas in as
many dif ferent ways as possible.
DIVERGENT THINKING, combined
with deferred judgment, is
critical in this step. Your goal is
to generate lots of ideas. It is
of ten helpful to set a number
goal before you start listing
ideas. Try for 50-75 ideas before
you discuss each and become
selective.

9. STEP 5:
SOLUTION FINDING
You must now decide what
criteria, standards, or "yardsticks"
should be applied to weigh the wor th
of your selected ideas. These criteria
will be used to determine the best
solution(s) to your problem.
Your ideas af fect cost, time,
reliability, quality, morale,
customers, legality, safety, company
practices and approvals, feasibility,
timeliness, and ease of
implementation. Any or all of these,
as well as others, can be
considerations for criteria.

10. STEP 6:
ACCEPTANCE FINDING
You are now ready to develop
your plan of action. To ensure
successful implementation of your
best idea(s), it is necessary to
gain maximum acceptance.
Remember, an idea has little
value until it is put to use.
Consider the following--How
should you alter or modify your
idea so it will be as acceptable as
possible to those it will af fect and
to those who will pass judgment
on it?

11. DIVERGENT AND CONVERGENT
THINKING
Each of the 6 steps of Creative Problem Solving involve
divergent and convergent thinking:
 Problem solvers are encouraged to think divergently
at the star t of each step to develop as many ideas as
possible.
 Following divergent thinking, convergent thinking is
encouraged to select the best ideas.

12. SAMPLE
CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING TASKS
Consider how the tasks on the following slides
could be used in a classroom to teach the
thinking skills associated with Creative Problem
Solving while also allowing students to explore
and master content standards.

13. SAMPLE
CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING TASK
You have just moved into a new house, and
you love it! Unfortunately, the house gets
extremely hot in the summer, and your air
conditioning is causing the electrical bill to
go through the roof! What should you do?
Mess
Finding
Fact Finding
Problem
Finding
Idea Finding
Solution
Finding
Acceptance
Finding

14. SAMPLE
CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING TASK
You have a big assignment due today, but
right before you leave for school you see
that your little sister dropped it in the fish
tank, and it’s soaked! You used the last of
the printer ink last night and you only have
5 minutes before you have to leave for
school! What should you do?
Mess
Finding
Fact Finding
Problem
Finding
Idea Finding
Solution
Finding
Acceptance
Finding

15. SAMPLE
CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING TASK
During the Cold War, the Soviet Union
attempted to take control of Berlin by
creating a blockade that prevented needed
supplies from getting to people living in
parts of Berlin controlled by the United
States, France, and England. What should
the United States do?
Mess
Finding
Fact
Finding
Problem
Finding
Idea
Finding
Solution
Finding
Acceptance
Finding

16. TOOLKIT FOR USING CREATIVE
PROBLEM SOLVING IN A CLASSROOM
http://www.roe11.k12.il.us/GES%20Stuff/Day
%204/Process/Creative%20Problem%20Solvin
g/CPS-Mitchell%20&%20Kowalik.pdf