Sidney Parnes
Early Life and Education
Sidney J. Parnes was an influential figure in the field of creative problem solving, known for his extensive work in developing methods to enhance creativity and innovation. Born in 1922, Parnes spent his early years in New York City. He pursued his undergraduate studies at the City College of New York, where he developed an interest in psychology and education. His academic journey continued at New York University, where he earned a master's degree in education, focusing on the psychological aspects of learning and creativity.
Career and Contributions
Development of Creative Problem Solving
Parnes is best known for co-developing the Creative Problem Solving Process (CPS) with Alex Osborn, a process that has been widely adopted in various fields, including business, education, and the arts. The CPS model is a structured approach to generating innovative solutions and involves several stages: fact-finding, problem-finding, idea-finding, solution-finding, and acceptance-finding. This model encourages divergent thinking, a critical component of creativity, and emphasizes the importance of generating a large number of ideas before converging on the most viable solutions.
Academic and Professional Work
Parnes joined the faculty at Buffalo State College in the 1950s, where he played a pivotal role in establishing the International Center for Studies in Creativity. This center became the first academic institution to offer a master's degree in creativity, a testament to Parnes' commitment to advancing the study and application of creative processes. Throughout his career, Parnes authored numerous books and articles on creativity, including "The Creative Studies Project" and "Visionizing: State-of-the-Art Processes for Encouraging Innovative Excellence."
Influence and Legacy
Parnes' work has had a lasting impact on the field of creativity and innovation. The CPS model has been integrated into educational curricula worldwide and is used by organizations to foster a culture of innovation. Parnes' emphasis on the importance of creativity in problem-solving has influenced various disciplines, including psychology, education, and business management. His legacy continues through the ongoing work of the International Center for Studies in Creativity and the countless individuals and organizations that have adopted his methods.
Selected Publications
Parnes' contributions to the literature on creativity are extensive. Some of his notable works include:
- "Creative Behavior Guidebook" (1967)
- "The Creative Studies Project" (1981)
- "Visionizing: State-of-the-Art Processes for Encouraging Innovative Excellence" (1992)
These publications provide insights into the processes and techniques that underpin creative problem-solving and have been instrumental in shaping contemporary understanding of creativity.