Conceptual blockbusting--chap7 Kinds of blockbusters

The use of a rich vocabulary of thinking languages and cognitive diverstiy is one way to overcome conceptual blocks. There are many other methods.

Use conscious mind to overpower conceptual blocks

1) A questioning attitude

Everyone has a questioning attitude as a small child. Unfortunately, most of us lose our questioning attitude for two principal reasons: a) We are discouraged from inquiry; b) The great knowledge game.

The questioning attitude is necessary in the broadest sense to motivate conceptualization.

2) Working on the right problem

Focus on the core problems (lots of arrows out) instead of symptoms (lots of arrows in).

3) Time and effort focusers

List making

4) Set breakers

a) Listing attributes -- Morphological Forced connections

i) List the attributes of the situation

ii) Below each attributes, place as many alternates as you can think of

iii) When completed, make many random runs through the alternates, picking up a different one from each column and assembling the combinations into entirely new forms of your original subject

b) Listing attributes -- Morphological analysis

c) Bug list

d) Check list

List-making techniques can be used by anyone to assemble alternate concepts.

5) Using other people's idea

Interact with other people, especially if they think differently than you

6) Crossing disciplines

7) Crossing cultures and changing environments

Unconscious blockbusting -- become more relaxed, less critical, and more intellectually playful during problem-solving

Descreasing the inhibiting effect of the ego and superego on the unconscious mind

1) Postponement of judgement