| Previous research examining the role of problem construction processes in creative problem solving has employed methodological approaches explicitly directing individuals to engage in problem construction as part of the process. This has prevented a true test of the Mumford, Reiter-Palmon, and Redmond (1994) problem construction model, as it limits the naturally occurring function of problem representations described in the model. The current study incorporates an approach based on research exploring the function of priming automatically pursued goals, which have shown that a variety of behavioral pursuits can be primed by environmental stimuli. Previous research has also shown that experiencing a delay between activating the behavioral goal and fulfilling it will increase the intensity of the requisite behavior. The current work seeks to integrate these two research streams and perform a comprehensive test of the problem construction model.;The model was tested using data from a sample of 264 participants collected using the website Mechanical Turk (MTurk). A truncated 2 x 2 x 2 design compared the use of priming conditions embedded in the problem statements themselves, explicitly engaging in problem construction, and the use of a delay condition to increase the pursuit of goals activated by the creative prime. No experimental effects by any of the manipulations were detected by statistical tests. Discussion of possible explanations for this outcome are discussed, as well as methodological limitations of engaging in priming manipulations with online data collection. |
