Creative problem-solving depends on how people understand the problem and how people understand the problem depends on the mental models they use. Mental models are complex cognitive structures and a variety of techniques have been suggested to develop these models in individuals. The present work will assess the effects of instruction on mental models for causal analysis, applications analysis, constraint analysis, and error analysis in creative problem solving. Results will be used to devise a new educational program for the enhancement of creative thinking in the information technology field.
This research program should provide evidence of the educational approaches that are most likely to be effective in enhancing the efficacy of mental models in creative problem-solving. The real-world application of these approaches will be tested by students working in the information technology field.
This work is funded by SBE within the CreativeIT Program.
