| Experts generally solve problems in their fields more effectively than novices because their well-structured, easily-activated knowledge allows for efficient search of a solution space. But what happens when a problem requires a broad search for solution? One concern is that subjects with a large amount of domain knowledge may actually be at a disadvantage because their knowledge may confine them to an area of the search space where the solution does not reside. In other words, domain knowledge may act as a mental set, promoting fixation in creative problem solving attempts. A series of three experiments using an adapted version of Mednick's (1962) Remote Associates Task demonstrates conditions under which domain knowledge may inhibit creative problem solving. |
