Alex F. Osborn is known as the father of?

Correct option is D

Alex F. Osborn, an advertising executive and creativity theorist, is widely recognized as the "Father of Brainstorming." He developed this technique in the 1940s while working at the advertising agency BBDO (Batton, Barton, Durstine & Osborn). Osborn introduced brainstorming as a method to enhance group creativity and problem-solving. His primary goal was to foster an open, judgment-free environment where participants could generate ideas freely without fear of criticism.

Osborn outlined four key principles of brainstorming:

1. Quantity over quality – The more ideas generated, the higher the likelihood of finding a good one.

2. No criticism – Participants should avoid evaluating ideas during the brainstorming phase.

3. Encourage wild ideas – Creativity flourishes when unconventional thinking is welcomed.

4. Combine and improve ideas – Participants should build upon others’ suggestions to refine and enhance ideas.

He introduced brainstorming in his book Applied Imagination (1953), where he detailed how structured brainstorming sessions could significantly boost innovation and creativity. The technique became widely adopted in business, education, and research to encourage creative problem-solving.

Information Booster:

• Definition: Brainstorming is a group creativity technique designed to generate innovative solutions to problems.

• Group vs. Individual Brainstorming: While Osborn focused on group brainstorming, research suggests individual brainstorming can sometimes be more effective due to reduced social pressures.

• Modern Adaptations: Today, brainstorming is often done digitally, through software like Miro, Trello, or collaborative Google Docs.

• Criticism: Some studies argue that traditional brainstorming can lead to groupthink, where dominant voices overshadow diverse perspectives.

• Alternative Approaches: Techniques like the Delphi Method, SCAMPER, and Mind Mapping offer structured variations of brainstorming.

• Impact on Innovation: Brainstorming is widely used in industries like advertising, product development, and strategic planning.

Additional Knowledge:

(a) Bounded Rationality

• The concept of Bounded Rationality was introduced by Herbert Simon, not Osborn.

• It refers to the idea that humans make decisions within the constraints of limited information, time, and cognitive abilities.

• In contrast to classical economic theories of perfect rationality, bounded rationality explains why individuals rely on heuristics and satisficing rather than optimal choices.

(b) Invention

• Invention refers to the creation of new products, technologies, or processes, often driven by scientific discovery or engineering.

• While Osborn contributed to creative thinking, he is not credited with specific inventions.

• Key figures in invention history include Thomas Edison (light bulb, phonograph), Nikola Tesla (AC electricity, radio waves), and Alexander Graham Bell (telephone).

(c) Heuristics

• Heuristics are mental shortcuts or rules of thumb used in decision-making.

• This concept is primarily associated with psychologists Amos Tversky and Daniel Kahneman, who studied cognitive biases and decision-making errors.

• Unlike brainstorming, which encourages free-flowing idea generation, heuristics focus on quick problem-solving by simplifying complex situations.