Having a sudden insight is often associated with inherent confidence, enough for Archimedes to run naked through the streets shouting "Eureka!". Recent evidence demonstrates that public displays of enthusiasm, such as the ancient polymath's, are actually supported by a higher likelihood of being correct.

Serendipity and pseudoserendipity in scientific discovery are distinguished with examples. True serendipity is seen to involve purely accidental discovery of things not sought, whereas pseudoserendipity involves accidental discoveries of ways to achieve an end that was sought. (DB)

The role of serendipity or "chance in all its forms" in scientific discovery is considered. The need to differentiate between purely accidental events and Rothenberg's "articulations of error" when discussing scientific discoveries is stressed. Examples of articulations of errors are noted, including Fleming (penicillin),…

Ten ways to evaluate new software product ideas are presented, such as talking with computer user groups and advertising the product before development to determine consumer interest. Ten methods for generating new product ideas are also offered, including reading material on the fringe of one's work and soliciting opinions of potential clients.…

This discussion of the discovery process in science suggests that discoveries are often made by a pattern recognition process which includes elaboration of a perceived pattern involving development of a descriptive vocabulary, elucidation of mathematical relations and measures, development of measurement instruments and techniques, and deduction…

Previous research on the relationship between age and creativity has shown that career age, rather than chronological age, correlates best with longitudinal changes in creative productivity. Recently, Dietrich (2004) proposed a new theoretical framework that integrates cognitive neuroscience with the findings of creativity research. By identifying…

The author argues that the scientific method, as it is commonly understood, is a myth. (BD)

Metacreativity is described as the study of internal observations of creative processing. The concept is defined in relation to metacognition, related research is reviewed, and Creative Characteristics models which point to relevant cognitive, affective, and physical/sensory qualities are discussed. (JW)

This article describes 2 experiments conducted with a computer-aided problem-solving tool called BRAIN, involving 30 adults of varying backgrounds and 15 organizational executives. The BRAIN program encourages users to discover partially and fully formulated insights, through iterative generation of word lists and meaningful statements. Eighty…

A study of 707 eighth-grade students investigated the influence of an instructional unit on the invention process and investigated the degree to which training influenced students' inventiveness. The students who received the instruction developed a significantly greater number of inventions, but the quality of the inventions was not significantly…

The article describes four step-by-step methods to sharpen intuitive capacities for problem-solving and innovation. Visionary and transpersonal knowledge processes are tapped to gain access to relatively deep levels of intuition. The methods are considered useful for overcoming internal blockages or resistance, developing organizational mission…

The article discusses the concept of inspiration as a component of creativity, including environmental influences, affective self-awareness, effective verbal communication to preserve inspired experiences, and the role of humor. The creative problem-solving process is also addressed, with attention to divergent thinking strategies and the practice…

Seven principles are presented for improving creative thinking, based on assumptions of creativity as a perceptual shift resulting from a metamorphic mental image. Principles include (1) the future initiates and pulls creative thought; (2) initial fact finding is best postponed; (3) problem redefinition is often retrospective; and (4) metaphors…

The discovery of penicillin is cited in a discussion of the role of serendipity as it relates to scientific discovery. The importance of sagacity as a personality trait is noted. Successful researchers have questioning minds, are willing to view data from several perspectives, and recognize and appreciate the unexpected. (JW)

Two studies were conducted, one using 80 university students and the other 140 fifth through seventh graders, to examine the relationship between problem-solving strategies (leaping and flexibility) and measures of insight and scholastic aptitude. Relationships among insight, leaping, and quantitative scholastic aptitude were found. A…