Brain Storming | Psychology for UPSC Optional (Notes) PDF Download

Introduction

The brain-storming technique, developed by Osborn in 1963, is a method for generating new ideas and fostering divergent thinking. It involves a creative and judicial mind working together to tackle a problem.

• The creative mind is responsible for generating inventive ideas and finding novel solutions, while the judicial mind critically evaluates the ideas that arise from the creative process.
• Brain-storming is particularly suitable for small groups of children. A problem is presented, and students are encouraged to express their thoughts freely. With the guidance of a teacher, a consensus or shared opinion can be reached.

What is Brain-Storming?

• Page and Thomas's perspective: "Brain-storming is a technique that encourages participants to contribute suggestions without fear of being ridiculed, in order to explore possible solutions."
• David's viewpoint: "Brain-storming is an approach that enhances learners' creativity and openness to problem solving."
• Osborn's understanding: "Brain-storming involves using the brain to attack a creative problem in a bold and focused manner. It generates a wide range of solutions as participants explore new and potentially fruitful lines of thought."
• Bruner and Sucnman's interpretation: Brain-storming involves "the use of discovery and inquiry methods in teaching to foster children's creativity. It is a group participation method of problem solving that encourages participants to freely share ideas without fear of criticism."

Characteristics of the Brain-Storming Technique

• Simplicity and Specificity of Problems: The brain-storming technique for fostering creativity among students involves selecting simple, specific, and easy problems.
• Encouragement: The group is encouraged to freely and friendly concentrate in a non-judgmental environment.
• Spontaneity of Ideas: Ideas are generated spontaneously and rapidly within the group to solve the specific problem.
• Modification of Ideas: Emphasis is placed on combining and modifying ideas.
• Chain Thinking: Chain thinking facilitates group discussion during brain-storming.
• Competition: There is an element of competition within the group, where each member strives to produce as many good ideas as possible.
• No Criticism: Criticism and discouragement are avoided as they hinder imagination and creativity.
• No Evaluation: The quantity and speed of generating ideas in brain-storming leave little time for evaluation. The absence of external and internal evaluation reduces feelings of restriction. Stormers do not concern themselves with the practicality of the ideas.

Principles of Brain-Storming

• Statement of the Problem: The problem is presented to the group before the brain-storming session begins.
• Encouragement: Students are encouraged to contribute original and new ideas. They are also encouraged to modify, combine, and improve their own ideas as well as others'.
• Appreciation: All ideas are welcomed and appreciated.
• No Criticism: Criticism is not allowed during the brain-storming session to avoid stifling new ideas.
• Central Point: Each brain-storming session focuses on a single central point of a problem. Dull ideas are transformed to be interesting and exciting.
• Chairman and Recorder: A chairman, a recorder, and a process observer may be appointed before the brain-storming session begins. A fast writer can quickly note down new ideas, and a tape recorder can be used as an alternative to a process observer.
• Responsibilities: Group members should be informed about their responsibilities.
• Discussion: After the session concludes, all the reviewed ideas should be discussed in a free, open, and supportive environment. Suitable ideas are then accepted for solving the problem at hand.

Uses of Brain-storming

• Arousal of Attention: It captures the attention of students.
• Development of Interest: It stimulates and develops the interest of more students.
• Development of Imagination: It encourages active participation and the development of imagination.
• Development of Ideas: It facilitates the generation of new ideas, predictions, inferences, and creative thinking.
• Finding Solutions: It aids in discovering new solutions to problems.
• Joy and Satisfaction: It brings joy and satisfaction to participants.