Applying the BaGua to revitalize the creative problem solving process during a goal oriented contest

Abstract

Ancient Chinese wisdom has had a significant cultural impact, especially the philosophical system known as I-Ching. The BaGua (eight trigrams) provide a systematic method for creative problem solving that can be followed in both daily and professional life. Thus, the present study aimed to determine whether the application of the BaGua to creative problem solving (CPS) processes could be used to construct a model that could enhance problem-solving effectiveness across different domains. Research data were obtained from 188 of the 256 individuals who participated in the 2011 GreenMech contest. The contest required groups of 4 students to assemble parts into an unchained reaction system based on scientific principles and green concepts. Because each team was required to assemble their unchained reaction system in the morning and be evaluated in the afternoon, students were under pressure to solve problem to complete the target job. To underlie the BaGua to the CPS process into five stages corresponding: sensitivity to problem occurrence, mental activation, idea generation, idea transformation, and idea consensus (agreeing on a solution) as the essence of this study. The results of this study indicated that these five stages were directionally and sequentially correlated. All 12 hypotheses were supported except Hypothesis 4 which correlation was explained by beta and alpha brainwaves. The results showed that the BaGua model for CPS was applicable to individuals involved in high-pressure contests.