Conceptual BlockBusting

The natural response to a problem seems to be to tryto get rid of it by finding an answer - often taking the first answer that occurs and pursuing it because of one’s reluctance to spend the time and mental effort needed to conjure up a richer storehouse of alternatives from which to choose. This hit-and-run approach to problem solving begets all sorts of oddities- and often a chain of solution-causing-problem-requiring-solution, ad infinitum. (p.9)

Perceptual blocks are obstacles that prevent the problem-solver from clearly perceiving either the problem itself or the information needed to solve the problem. We usually remember information in context, and the context goes into our memory along with the information. When we later recall the information for use in problem solving, the residual information and feelings from the original context tend to accompany it. This complicates the conceptual process since the residual material must be dealt with.

Information is also filed in memory in a structured way. It is arranged in categories according to likely associations. Stereotyping is an obvious perceptual block.

Problems we face maybe similarly obscured by either inadequate clues or misleading information. And proper problem-ideentification is of extreme importance in problem-solving.

We place limits upon our own functioning (the fence around the dots) and that once we realize th existence of these limits we will be eager to escape and will no longer be as hampered by them. A proble statement which is too limited inhibits creative ability.