Creative problem solving and communication behavior in small groups

This study investigated differences between communication behaviors of small groups trained in creative problem solving and groups not trained in creative problem solving. Communication behaviors investigated were: (a) amount of participation; (b) verbal indications of criticism; (c) verbal indications of support; (d) verbal indications of humor; and (e) nonverbal indications of humor. Groups were also evaluated on the quantity of ideas generated. Results indicated that groups trained in creative problem solving participated more, criticized ideas less, supported ideas more, exhibited more verbal and nonverbal indications of humor, and produced significantly more ideas than untrained groups.