ABSTRACT

Knowledge recombination is a process through which distant fields of knowledge are brought together to solve complex problems and has important outcomes, such as scientific, technical, or social innovation. However, although recombination is both a cognitive and social process, there is little theoretical and empirical evidence on what happens between people while they are creating bridges between their different and complex fields of knowledge. In this study, we draw on problem-solving research and social cognition models to provide and test a model of recombination. We predict that (1) two-person teams map larger areas of the problem domain if they explore that domain using dissimilar problem models and (2) an implicit cognitive intervention can help team members integrate their diverse problem definitions. We tested these predictions in an experiment with N= 31 dyads. Our results show that dissimilar problem models lead to more comprehensive problem definitions which in turn increase solution creativity when members are primed to combine unrelated concepts. This work advances understanding of knowledge recombination processes and sets the stage for more comprehensive models.

摘要

知识重组是将遥远的知识领域聚集在一起以解决复杂问题并产生重要成果的过程，例如科学、技术或社会创新。然而，尽管重组既是一个认知过程，又是一个社会过程，但几乎没有理论和经验证据表明人们在不同和复杂的知识领域之间建立桥梁时会发生什么。在这项研究中，我们利用解决问题的研究和社会认知模型来提供和测试重组模型。我们预测（1）如果两人团队使用不同的问题模型探索该领域，则他们会映射问题域的更大区域；（2）隐式认知干预可以帮助团队成员整合他们不同的问题定义。N = 31 个二元组。我们的结果表明，不同的问题模型会导致更全面的问题定义，当成员准备好组合不相关的概念时，这反过来又会增加解决方案的创造力。这项工作促进了对知识重组过程的理解，并为更全面的模型奠定了基础。