ASSIGNMENT NO. 8.

** BRAINSTORMING **
A. What Is Brainstorming?
B. Basic Block Diagram of Brainstorming.
C. Example of Brainstorming .
D. Need of Brainstorming .
E. Case Study
F. Advantages/Disadvantages
F.Types
F.Properties
F.Application
F.Conclusion
- ABHISHEK TIWARI

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ASSIGNMENT NO. 8.
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A. What is Brainstorming?
* Definitions of Brainstorming :1)

Brainstorming is a process for generating new ideas.

2) It uses a set of specific rules and techniques which encourage and spark off new ideas which
would never have happened under normal circumstances.
3) Brainstorming is a group creativity technique designed to generate a large number of ideas for
solving to a problem

* Brainstorming has three basic components :1) Generating as many solutions to a problem as possible;
2) Llisting every idea presented without comment or evaluation;
3) Grouping and evaluating ideas to reach consensus and prioritizing ideas.

* Introduction to Brainstorming :Brainstorming is a group creativity technique designed to generate a large number of ideas for
the solution to a problem . The method was first popularized in the late 1930s by Alex Faickney,
an advertising executive and one of the founders of BBDO in a book called Applied Imagination.
Osborn proposed that groups could double their creative output by using the method of
brainstorming.
Although brainstorming has become a popular group technique, researchers have generally failed
to find evidence of its effectiveness for enhancing either quantity or quality of ideas generated.
Because of such problems as distraction, social loafing evaluation apprehension and production
blocking brainstorming groups are little more effective than other types of groups, and they are
actually less effective than individuals working independently. For this reason, there have been
numerous attempts to improve brainstorming or replace it with more effective variations of the
basic technique. Although traditional brainstorming may not increase the productivity of groups,
it may still provide benefits, such as enhancing the enjoyment of group work and improving
morale. It may also serve as a useful exercise for team building

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B. Basic Block Diagram of Brainstorming :-

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C. Example of Brainstorming :-

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D. Need of Brainstorming :It is frequently used when an agency is starting a lengthy or complex undertaking with a separate
element for public involvement. It can be part of a focus group -- to open discussion and
introduce participants; it can be part of a char rette -- to establish the points of view of
participants; it can be used in civic advisory committees -- to establish a consensus on a project;
and it can be used in public meetings. (See Focus Groups; Charrettes; Civic Advisory
Committees; Public Meetings/Hearings.) Brainstorming was used in conjunction with public
opinion surveys to design a public involvement program for the Albany, New York, area. (See
Public Opinion Surveys.) In Pennsylvania, community members used brainstorming to select .

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E. Case Study :*When to use Brainstorming

1) When a broad range of options is desired.
2) When creative, original ideas are desired.
3) When participation of the entire group is desired.

*How to use Brainstorming

Brainsotriming is one of the more common types of informal invention. It should be used when
writers encounter writers' block or when they are not sure what to write about. Brainstorming can
also be used to guide writers in a certain direction if they already have a topic or idea that they
wish to explore. This exercise helps writers to gather their thoughts and ideas before they begin
writing a paper or other document:
1)

Set a timer for 5 to 10 minutes.

2)

Write a topic word or a thought that you would like to explore at the top of your paper, such
as education or government.

3)

Never stop writing. Even if you have to write down an idea that's completely stupid and
wouldn't work, it's better than stopping.

4)

Assume that no word is self-explanatory. Continue to focus on one topic word until you
cannot describe it with any further detail.

5)

As your thoughts slow or become stagnant, begin to review your lists periodically. Previous
terms may need further explanation or bring new ideas to the surface.

6)

This is also an uncensored practice, so don't allow for corrections during the brainstorming
process.

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*Why to use Brainstorming

The best-known and widely used team-based creative problem solving and creative thinking
technique is brainstorming. One major reason why brainstorming is useful is that it helps to free
us
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F. Advantages/Disadvantages :Advantages :Brainstorming has many benefits and advantages that include :
1)You don't have to be a highly qualified expert or highly paid consultant to use it
2)Easy to understand - it's not a complicated technique
3)It is inexpensive
4)If controlled properly it is a quick way of generating ideas
5)Encourages creative thinking and thinking "out of the box"
6)Generates ideas and solutions that can be used elsewhere
7)Provides an opportunity for widespread participation and involvement

Disadvantages :1) In a group participants have to listen to others and may spend time repeating their ideas until
they get sufficient attention.
2) Going through the protocol, processing and ordering the ideas can become a complex
procedure. This also depends on the number and order of the generated ideas.
3) Advising participants to let others speak without making them feel offended or intimidated
can be difficult.
4) On the one hand, people are not very skilled at controlling their non-verbal reactions and
might influence the creativity of others with their posture, gestures or facial expressions. On the
other hand, attempting to control their non-verbal behavior might inhibit their own creativity.
5) More discrete or introvert participants might find it difficult to express their crazy or
unorthodox ideas.
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G. Types :The manner in which you conduct brainstorming sessions can vary, for example:
1) Required Participation
When you use the required participation approach, everyone must provide input when called
upon, or decline if they absolutely can not think of an idea. Required participation may place
pressure on participants, which may stifle creativity. However, the approach does ensure
participation of the entire group, and prevents domination by those members who are most
outspoken.
2) Voluntary Participation
With the voluntary participation approach, participants contribute suggestions on a voluntary
basis. Group members are called upon when they give an indication that they have an idea.
Participants do not feel as intimidated, but quieter members may not be inclined to contribute.
3) Short Time Limit
A variation of the voluntary participation approach is the setting of the minimum time limit (e.g.,
five minutes), and the generation of as many ideas as possible in that time frame. The recorder
must be very quick and a good listener. Participants call out ideas, but are not allowed to speak
when someone else is already speaking. For some participants the time pressure can cause
creative ideas, and for others the pressure can be a blocking factor. The short time limit approach
may become uncontrolled depending on the group dynamics, but can result in some good ideas.
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H. Properties :1) Brainstorming brings new ideas to bear on a problem. The freethinking atmosphere
encourages fresh approaches. Creativity is enhanced, because individuals are encouraged to
bring up all ideas -- even those that might appear outrageous. Even imperfectly developed
thoughts may jog the thinking of other participants. In Atlanta, Georgia, a brainstorming effort
produced future options in the Vision 2020 process.
2) Problems are defined better as questions arise. Alternatives appear in a new or different
perspective. Novel approaches to an issue can arise during the process. Brainstorming gives
participants a sense of progress and accomplishment and helps them move onto more difficult
tasks.
3) Brainstorming helps reduce conflict. It helps participants see other points of view and
possibly change their perspective on problems. It may not be useful in resolving deeply felt
conflicts but can help set the stage for a different technique if an impasse has been reached.
Civility is required of each participant. (See Negotiation and Mediation.)
4) Brainstorming is democratic. All participants have equal status and an equal opportunity to
participate. No one persons ideas dominate a brainstorming session. Brainstorming heightens
the awareness of community and sensitizes individuals to the behavior of the group and its
participants. It helps mold participants into a working group.
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I. Application :1) . Advocacy - random input for demonstration tactics and messages
2) . Education - morphological analysis for alternatives to the usual component parts
3) . Fundraising - random input for strategy and tactics; provocations
4) . Policy - morphological analysis, SCAMPER
5) . Program design - provocations, morphological analysis, SCAMPER
6) . Social marketing - random input, morphological analysis
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J. Conclusion:Brainstorming is a popular method of group interaction in both educational and business settings.
Although it does not appear to provide a measurable advantage in creative output, brainstorming
is an enjoyable exercise that is typically well received by participants. Newer variations of
brainstorming seek to overcome barriers like production blocking and may well prove superior
to the original technique. How well these newer methods work, and whether or not they should
still be classified as brainstorming, are questions that require further research before they can be
answered.
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End Of Transmission