Critical Thinking versus Creative Problem Solving

The Differences:

For the last few days, we have discussed how to use critical thinking and creative problem solving to work through various issues, such as choosing a college or solving a problem with bored cats. Several differences appear as we ventured through the two processes used to reach the best possible solutions. 

For instance, critical thinking often occurs in orderly manner with a focus on facts and reliable information to make informed decisions. The process is also designed to understand a subject in greater depth rather than solve a problem. Critical thinking is also a logical process that categorizes and classifies for rational and orderly decision making.

Creative problem solving tends to use unrestrained approaches to reach unique or new solutions. Additionally, the depth of imagination we use in creative problem solving makes it ideal for innovating, improving, or changing an item, technique, or idea. Another difference is creative problem solving works better with a little chaos. Disorder or lack of categories can encourage broader connections and leaps in thought that are vital to generating ideas resulting new or unique concepts.

The Similarities:

As much as the two methods, critical thinking and creative problem solving, differ they also contain similarities.  For example, both are a complex, teachable process used in decision making. Also, many of the same skills are helpful, such as perseverance, concentration, and curiosity.
 

In addition, the elements that affect critical thinking also affect creative problem solving, including the environmental, psychological, social, and educational factors. Another commonality is some of the steps applied in both processes. Each process requires us to gather information, analyze problems, and explore options.

Another important point  is the excellent way the processes work together to find creative solutions to complex problems. We use critical thinking steps such as identifying the problem to begin our creative problem solving process. 

As an example, to generate numerous options, we use creative problem solving techniques, such as brainstorming. Once we find an idea or two we want to try, the critical thinking process is exercised to categorize what does and does not work. The categories are then used to make new connections (creative problem solving again) on the road to improving our approach. Last, when we implement our unique idea we use critical thinking to examine the solution for viability. Though each process is used to solve specific problems, complicated problems benefit from the use of both processes.

Creative Problem Solving with Cats

Locutus of Box, resistance is futile!

To change or adapt to a situation we can use creative problem solving. In this case, we worked to help our cats adapt, or maybe they were helping us adapt. Before I explain how our furry little cats trained us, let’s explain creative problem solving and its process, which differs from critical thinking in our last post.

Creative problem solving is useful in solving many types of problems, such as those with unknown sets of parameters or unlimited options. When finding ways to move from your current point to a desired point in the future, creativity can help guide you. For instance, we have all held a job we disliked. Many of us still want to move forward to a dream career. Using creative problem solving in finding options or different ways to promote ourselves is a great technique for reaching goals.

Some skills are useful in using the creative problem solving process, such flexibility, an open mind, and courage. These skills help us explore and adapt to any situation. The skills also encourage us to improve techniques and find unique solutions, such as meeting our cats’ needs. Try comparing the skills of creative problem solving and critical thinking.

Thankfully, creative problem solving is not a talent or trait one is born with, but rather a trainable skill. The process consists of understanding the problem, generating ideas, developing ideas, and taking action. One doesn't have to hope for good genes, but can learn.

Asura, the center of the universe.

The first step in creative problem solving is identifying the problem and establishing the goal. Our first cat problem was evident when we bought a wonderful $300 cat tower and none of our cats used it. Our oldest, pictured left, preferred to lay in the middle of the floor. We still wanted to give them a place to play besides behind our backs, with our toes, under our feet or sheets, and on our heads (One of my cat's favorite spots).


As many of us know, cats love boxes. My husband’s cat, Locutus, uses them mostly as a food source. She claims every loose box piece and chews it to bits. Our first step in solving our problem was creating a space that Locutus won’t eat to bits before the others can play in it.

Another issue was our other two cats. Our oldest cat, Asura, is very easy going and believes the world revolves around her and everyone exists solely to give her attention. She needed an open space to lounge in a busy part of the house so she can plea for attention as we give her none. Ever. At least, she makes it seem so. 

Freya, the vicious stalker.

The baby of the group, my cat Freya, prefers to stalk everything, including paper and Legos. She needed a place to hide and to run in and out for those ever so silent toe attacks. After we gathering information, including our resources, we began working toward our goal of creating a play space meeting each cat’s needs.

The next step in the creative problem solving process is generating ideas. My husband and I spent many days exploring types of cat areas, cat behavior, and watching our own cats. Some of our ideas were buying a tube system, exchanging our cat tree, or building a new cat tree. A new piece of information was that cats like change to keep them stimulated. We couldn't keep buying or building different play areas or could we?

The epiphany came when we were watching how our cats made us chase them around the new cat tree.  We discovered they were using it but not as we expected. After chasing Locutus around for the hundredth time, we noticed how she used other objects around the tree to get what she wanted. Aha! Why can’t we build onto the tree in cardboard boxes we get every day? It could be altered at any time while still providing them plenty of stimuli.

The mighty Viking ship.

The first project we put into action took a half hour using only the resources we had on hand. Tada! A cardboard Viking ship, complete with a sail to hide Freya. We attached the ship to the cat tree with more cardboard homes. Because we positioned the large base next to a walkway Asura had her large sleeping area where she could reach everyone. 

Understanding the creative problem solving process helped us approach our problem with more confidence and curiosity than we usually would. In addition, we were able to create a wonderful product that met our goal.

Critical Thinking: What is It?

We each want to support our previous decisions and views; it’s a natural human reaction. However, such a reaction often leaves us unaware of new ideas and perspectives. We cannot expand our mind without new information gathered from others’ perspectives, beliefs, and experiences.

Critical thinking differs from creative problem solving as it helps us to sort through the new information in a logical manner resulting in a new perspective. The process allows us to gain a deeper knowledge or understanding of an idea, person, or situation. Critical thinking is a beneficial process in examining situations that may not have a specific correct answer, but rather several options.

For instance, we can use critical thinking to determine which type of car or dog we want to buy. In addition, critical thinking skills are useful when sorting through the information of serious issues, such as the stance we take on euthanizing patients. How do we choose? Do we concentrate on palliative care? What about religious and legal concerns? We also have to consider patient rights. Critical thinking is necessary in approaching more controversial topics.

Another example of critical thinking is researching colleges and degrees. For example, I’m still researching options for after my bachelor’s degree. I have used critical thinking to analyze, compare, seek additional information, and logically sort through the information to reach my best options. Remember to compare your processes, critical thinking versus creative problem solving to understand which option is best for the situation.

The first step is gathering information about various colleges and degrees from the people around me, Internet, and colleges. Next, I analyze the information including stereotypes, prejudgments, assumptions, facts, and opinions. I want to be sure my decision is based on facts but understanding how opinions, assumptions, and stereotypes are formed about the college or degree helps guide where I need to do more research. 

Once my information is gathered I begin to compare which colleges and degrees meet my needs. A list of pros and cons are helpful in this stage because so many options are available. The list may also show I need to gather information on a newly discovered factor. In this case, I wanted to recheck degree specialties between my two favorite options, University of South Florida and Boston University.

The last step in the critical thinking process is  logically sorting through the main points, such as location, cost, and support available. I am still in this stage of the process as the decision is complicated and I have many options in degree specialties. Do I continue my drive into health communications, move to public health, or focus on patient education?  I may have not found my best option yet, but the critical thinking process has brought me much closer. 

Photos courtesy of:
The Custom Life – Photo of University of South Florida Seal at http://www.theglobaldispatch.com/usf-reports-confirmed-case-of-tuberculosis-in-tampa-campus-student-62666/ 

Photo of Boston University Medical Campus by Cmcnicoll at http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Boston_University_Medical_Campus_01.JPG