Question 1

Looking too narrowly at a problem is what type of conceptual block?
A) Constancy
B) Compression
C) Commitment
D) Complacency

Accepted Answer

The answer of Looking too narrowly at a problem is...

Question 2

If you are replacing the copier in the office,which problem-solving style would be most appropriate?
A) Analytical problem solving
B) Creative problem solving
C) Neither analytical nor creative problem solving

Accepted Answer

Analytical problem solving involves using a logical, structured approach to identify and analyze a problem before developing a solution. When replacing the copier in the office, it is important to assess the needs of the office, including the volume of printing, scanning, and copying, cost, and maintenance requirements. Analyzing the available options and making a decision based on data and objective criteria would be the most appropriate problem-solving style in this situation.

Question 3

When an individual becomes consistent in how he/she approaches problems,he/she is practicing which conceptual block?
A) Commitment
B) Compression
C) Constancy
D) Complacency

Accepted Answer

Constancy refers to the tendency of relying on familiar methods and ideas instead of seeking new and innovative solutions. Consistency in problem-solving approaches reflects this tendency, and thus the answer is C) Constancy. The other options are not relevant to this concept.

Question 4

If someone believes that the possible alternatives to a problem must conform with her perception of the boss's expectations,which conceptual block is she a victim of?
A) Perceptual stereotyping
B) Not separating figure from ground
C) Ignoring commonalities
D) Artificial constraints

Accepted Answer

The person is limiting their thinking by imposing artificial constraints, believing that the alternatives must conform to the boss's expectations, even though there may be other possible solutions that are not within the narrow framework of their perception.

Question 5

Which is the most appropriate approach to creativity when collective effort and involvement of others is important?
A) Imagination
B) Improvement
C) Investment
D) Incubation

Accepted Answer

Incubation is the most appropriate approach to creativity when collective effort and involvement of others is important. This approach allows time for the ideas to develop and for individuals to reflect on their ideas, which can lead to more innovative and collaborative solutions. It also encourages participation and input from others, creating a collective effort towards the creative goal.

Question 6

Which type of creativity focuses on fast,competitive responses to problems?
A) Imagination
B) Improvement
C) Investment
D) Incubation

Accepted Answer

Investment creativity is about quickly responding to problems in a competitive manner, often seen in business or entrepreneurial contexts where rapid innovation and adaptation are crucial.

Question 7

Your boss states,"Conceptual blocks are easy to overcome.Also,everyone develops some conceptual blocks over time and we need some to cope with everyday life." Should you agree or disagree?
A) Agree
B) Agree partially; only some conceptual blocks are easy to overcome
C) Disagree

Accepted Answer

Disagree. While it is true that everyone develops some conceptual blocks over time, it is not necessarily easy to overcome them. Conceptual blocks can be deeply ingrained and may require significant effort and resources to overcome. Additionally, while some conceptual blocks may be helpful in coping with everyday life, they can also limit creativity and problem-solving abilities, which can be detrimental in a work environment. Therefore, it is important to identify and address conceptual blocks in order to foster innovation and growth.

Question 8

What is an example of a thinking language that is capable of breaking down the constancy block?
A) Foreign language
B) Observation and evaluation
C) Visual imagery
D) Alternative generation

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is an example of a thinking...

Question 9

Sometimes people fail to act creatively because they define their current problems simply as variations on their past problems.When people restrict their decision making in this way,they are falling prey to which of the following?
A) Perceptual stereotyping
B) Subdivision
C) Janusian thinking
D) Morphological synthesis

Accepted Answer

Perceptual stereotyping refers to the tendency to perceive and categorize objects or people based on past experiences or preconceptions. In this case, the individual is limiting their creative thinking by framing their current problem as just another version of a past problem, which is a form of perceptual stereotyping.

Question 10

How both Velcro and Post-it Notes came to be produced is an excellent example of which problem-solving model?
A) Analytical problem solving
B) Creative problem solving
C) Synectic problem solving

Accepted Answer

Velcro was invented by a Swiss engineer, George de Mestral, who used creative problem solving to come up with the idea while observing burrs sticking to his clothes and his dog's fur. Similarly, Post-it Notes were created by a 3M employee, Spencer Silver, who developed a unique adhesive that was not strong enough for regular use but found a new use when his colleague Art Fry used it to create sticky notes. This also involved creative problem solving. Therefore, both Velcro and Post-it Notes came to be produced through creative problem solving.

Question 11

You have a problem that is both complex and very ambiguous.In looking for a creative solution,what would be best for you to do?
A) Think simply about generating alternatives.
B) Clearly define the problem.
C) Consider multiple approaches to creativity.
D) Assign one person to work alone and solve the problem.

Accepted Answer

The answer of You have a problem that is both...

Question 12

When relevant information is available,when a clear standard exists to assess the correctness of a solution,and the problem is straightforward,which decision model should be used?
A) Analytical problem solving
B) Creative problem solving
C) Neither the analytical nor creative problem-solving model
D) Both the analytical and creative problem-solving models

Accepted Answer

When relevant information is available, a clear standard exists to assess the correctness of a solution, and the problem is straightforward, the analytical problem-solving model should be used. This model involves breaking down the problem into smaller parts, using logic and quantitative analysis to evaluate the options, and selecting the best solution based on objective criteria.

Question 13

Which type of creativity emphasizes developmental and deliberate responses to problems?
A) Imagination
B) Investment
C) Incubation

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which type of creativity emphasizes developmental and...

Question 14

Which is the most appropriate approach to creativity when incremental changes and tightening up processes are necessary?
A) Imagination
B) Improvement
C) Investment
D) Incubation

Accepted Answer

When incremental changes and process improvement are necessary, the best approach to creativity is Improvement. This involves analyzing the current processes and making small, gradual changes to improve efficiency and effectiveness. This approach requires less risk-taking and is more focused on solving problems and making steady progress.

Question 15

You are a manager who would like to enhance the creative problem-solving abilities of your employees.What should you do?
A) Increase their formal education
B) Improve their thinking skills
C) Improve their interpersonal skills
D) Improve their exposure to information

Accepted Answer

The answer of You are a manager who would like...

Question 16

In studying for a test,Harry always highlights passages in his textbooks and reviews the highlighted sections.Recently,in his Management class,Harry did not receive a good grade on his first exam.Sally suggested that Harry try studying a different way by writing down the highlighted passages on paper.Harry refused,saying,"It has always worked before,why change?" Which conceptual block is Harry experiencing?
A) Constancy
B) Artificial constraint
C) Compression
D) Complacency

Accepted Answer

Harry is experiencing the conceptual block of constancy, which is the tendency to rely on familiar methods or ideas instead of exploring alternative solutions. Despite receiving a poor grade on his exam, Harry is hesitant to change his study habits and is reluctant to consider Sally's suggestion to try a different approach to studying. Constancy blocks creativity and innovation by limiting our willingness to experiment and take risks.

Question 17

One of the most common blocks to creativity involves a person becoming so committed to a particular point of view that they fail to identify themes that link the problem to other related areas of knowledge.Which of the following describes this phenomenon?
A) Morphological synthesis
B) Perceptual stereotyping
C) Ignoring commonalities
D) Synectics

Accepted Answer

Ignoring commonalities refers to becoming so committed to a particular point of view that one fails to identify themes related to other areas of knowledge. This can be a block to creativity as it limits the individual's ability to see connections and possibilities outside of their current perspective. Morphological synthesis, perceptual stereotyping, and synectics do not specifically refer to this phenomenon.

Question 18

Which type of creativity focuses on new,revolutionary solutions to problems?
A) Imagination
B) Improvement
C) Investment
D) Incubation

Accepted Answer

Imagination is the type of creativity that leads to new, revolutionary solutions to problems. It involves thinking outside the box and generating original ideas that challenge the status quo. Improvement and investment focus on making existing ideas or products better, while incubation is the process of letting ideas mature or develop over time.

Question 19

In describing a new problem you are having with your computer,your boss interrupts and states,"I had the same problem last week.It's something to do with the network." Which conceptual block could be inhibiting your boss's creative problem-solving approach?
A) Vertical thinking
B) Artificial constraints
C) Stereotyping
D) Ignoring commonalities

Accepted Answer

The answer of In describing a new problem you are...

Question 20

If you assume that individuals who are experienced in launching a new product know the best marketing approach,which conceptual block are you practicing?
A) Vertical thinking
B) Stereotyping
C) Compression
D) Ignoring commonalities

Accepted Answer

Stereotyping assumes that all individuals in a particular group share the same characteristics or knowledge, which may not be true. Assuming that all experienced product launchers have the best marketing approach is a form of stereotyping.

Quiz 3: Solving Problems Analytically and Creatively

Looking too narrowly at a problem is what type of conceptual block?

If you are replacing the copier in the office,which problem-solving style would be most appropriate?

When an individual becomes consistent in how he/she approaches problems,he/she is practicing which conceptual block?

If someone believes that the possible alternatives to a problem must conform with her perception of the boss's expectations,which conceptual block is she a victim of?

Which is the most appropriate approach to creativity when collective effort and involvement of others is important?

Which type of creativity focuses on fast,competitive responses to problems?

Your boss states,"Conceptual blocks are easy to overcome.Also,everyone develops some conceptual blocks over time and we need some to cope with everyday life." Should you agree or disagree?

What is an example of a thinking language that is capable of breaking down the constancy block?

Sometimes people fail to act creatively because they define their current problems simply as variations on their past problems.When people restrict their decision making in this way,they are falling prey to which of the following?

How both Velcro and Post-it Notes came to be produced is an excellent example of which problem-solving model?

You have a problem that is both complex and very ambiguous.In looking for a creative solution,what would be best for you to do?

When relevant information is available,when a clear standard exists to assess the correctness of a solution,and the problem is straightforward,which decision model should be used?

Which type of creativity emphasizes developmental and deliberate responses to problems?

Which is the most appropriate approach to creativity when incremental changes and tightening up processes are necessary?

You are a manager who would like to enhance the creative problem-solving abilities of your employees.What should you do?

One of the most common blocks to creativity involves a person becoming so committed to a particular point of view that they fail to identify themes that link the problem to other related areas of knowledge.Which of the following describes this phenomenon?

Which type of creativity focuses on new,revolutionary solutions to problems?

In describing a new problem you are having with your computer,your boss interrupts and states,"I had the same problem last week.It's something to do with the network." Which conceptual block could be inhibiting your boss's creative problem-solving approach?

If you assume that individuals who are experienced in launching a new product know the best marketing approach,which conceptual block are you practicing?