On the Development of Alternatives: A Human - Computer System

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This research focuses on pre-choice stages of decision making, especially on the generation of alternatives. Unfortunately there are few theories with non-choice aspects of decision making. While there is some empirical work, it tends to be quite fragment to the lack of a general conceptual framework. Much of the attention devoted to these topics has been focused on promoting techniques for improving one's creativity, however, such techniques are rarely tested. While the investigators do not have a unifying theory, they do have the structure provided by an integrative computer program that includes a variety of alternative generation techniques. They will extend their development of this computer program which is based on a conceptual approach ranging from highly structured reasoning to very unstructured thinking. The program serves as a means for exploring the relative effectiveness of various techniques and their underlying themes. The proposed tests will include multiple types of problems, problem solving durations of up to 3 months, and subjects who face the challenge of solving problems creatively in their professional lives. As wel as contributing to empirical knowledge, the results may help to advance theory.