Conceptual blockbusting--chap5 Intellectual and Expressive blocks

Intellectual blocks result in an inefficient choice of mental tactics or a shortage of intellectual ammunition.

Expressive blocks inhibit your vital ability to communicate ideas-not only to others, but to yourself as well.

1) Solving the problem using an incorrect language

Choice of the problem-solving language is difficult not only because the choice is usually made unconsciously, but also because of the heavy emphasis on verbal thinking (with matematical thinking a poor second).

Our habitual choice of problem-solving languages (use the one we are good at and enjoy, not necessarily the one that can best solve the problem) can be consciously overcome, with resuting increase in creativity. It requires first of all overcoming emotional signals and secondly, becoming more of a novice than we are used to being.

Usually the first step in modifying habits is an indication that present habits are not adequate. The next part of habit modification involves conscious and usually analytical activity. You consciously build your new habit. Finnaly, you practice your new habit until it becomes a natural and programmed act in its own rights. This doesn't guarantee a life time of satisfaction. It only means that you are set until the process begins again.

2) Inflexible or inadequate use of intellectual probem-solving strategies

"Each physical action or operation that we make to solve a problem can be seen in terms of a more general conceptual approach, useful in solving any problem. It is the rational or purpose behind your actions: the "why" as opposed to the "what". This general, conceptual approach we call a "strategy". In our terms, the concept inherent in a strategy is independent of context. In other words, a strategy should be able to be used in almost all kinds of problems. We find that the strategic level is one of the most useful ways of talking about problem-solving".

One of the major techniques was to keep track of the strategy or stategies being used at any time during a problem-solving session and to suggest changes or additions if the process appeared to be bogging down or overlooking possible approaches to solutions.

3) Lack of, or incorrect, information

Clean mind vs dirty mind

The specialized semantics of established knowledge constitutes conventions which make reality abstract and secondhand. Learned conventions can be windowless fortresses which exclude viewing the world in new ways.

4) Inadequate language skill to express or record ideas

 In situations involving change and creativity, communication cannot be taken for granted. Efforts must be made to ensure that communications are two way and that adequate time and effort are taken to convey the information.