Brainstorming is a technique in Gerard Egan’s problem management approach to helping. Which of the statements given below is NOT a characteristic feature of brainstorming?

Correct option is C

The core technique of brainstorming, whether used in Gerard Egan's Skilled Helper Model or generally, is defined by four main rules designed to maximize idea generation:

1. Go for Quantity (Encourage as many ideas as possible).

2. Suspend Judgment (No criticism or evaluation of ideas during the generation phase).

3. Encourage Wild and Unusual Ideas (Develop 'wild' possibilities).

4. Combine and Improve Ideas (Use one idea as a takeoff point for another, also called "hitch-hiking").

Let's evaluate the options against these core rules:

• A: Develop 'wild' possibilities $\implies$ This is a CORE RULE (Encourage Wild Ideas).

• B: Use one idea as a takeoff point for another $\implies$ This is a CORE RULE (Combine and Improve/Hitch-hike).

• D: Suspend judgment $\implies$ This is a CORE RULE (Defer Judgment).

• C: Set of time frame $\implies$ While setting a time frame is a common procedural step used by a facilitator to structure the activity, it is NOT considered one of the four characteristic rules that define the quality and nature of the idea-generating process itself. The defining features relate to what kind of ideas are encouraged (wild), how many ideas are generated (quantity), and the attitude during generation (no judgment/building on ideas).

Therefore, C is the correct answer because it is NOT a characteristic feature or rule of the brainstorming technique itself.