Generation

The generation step essentially consists of a structured brainstorming session (Osborn, 1948) guided by a specific focus prompt that limits the types of statements that are acceptable. The focus statement or criterion for generating statements was operationalized in the form of the instruction to the participants given above. The general rules of brainstorming applied. Participants were encouraged to generate as many statements as possible (with an upper limit of 100); no criticism or discussion of other's statements was allowed (except for purposes of clarification); and all participants were encouraged to take part. The group brainstormed ninety-six statements in approximately a forty-five minutes.

The complete listing of brainstormed statements is given in Table 1. Participants were given a short break while the statements were printed and duplicated for use in the structuring stage.


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Copyright © 1996, William M.K. Trochim