The human dynamics of invention: A phenomenological case study of inventors.

摘要

In a nation revolutionized by invention, we are in awe of those individuals who have the desire and talent to create something new, better, easier, or more efficient. Compared to the research on other creative people, our knowledge of inventors is inadequate. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to gain knowledge about inventors, their inventive creativity, and their beliefs about the dynamics of invention through the utilization of qualitative methodology. This qualitative case study employed in-depth phenomenological interviewing as the primary method for data collection in a single-bounded system of inventors. Intensive analysis of 412 pages of verbatim transcripts from these interviews resulted in phenomenological reduction for the development of individual inventor profiles, conceptual categories and themes, and new insights.Study results include the following five broad categories and twenty conceptual themes that were identified as the result of intensive data analysis: As part of their Early Life Experiences (A), these inventors displayed Early Inventiveness and Creativity as children (1) experienced various degrees of Social Isolation (2) demonstrated high levels of Self-Sufficiency (3) experienced Conflict with the Educational Establishment for a variety of reasons (4) had Early Exposure to Mechanical Sciences (5) and had very Early Work Experiences (6). Their Motivations (B) included: Problem-Solving to Meet a Need (7) the desire to Receive Recognition (8) as well as Financial Compensation (9) and the motivation to Contribute to Society (10). The Creative Processes for these Inventors (C) involved Continuous Innovative Thinking (11) Ingenuity through Creative Problem-Solving (12) and Other Expressions of Creativity (13). The Frustration and Struggle of Inventing (D) involved Patent Law (14) the Difficulty with Commercialization (15) Corruption in the Industry (16) and many Unfulfilled Dreams (17). Positive aspects of the profession of inventing were revealed through The Thrill of Discovery (E) to include the Satisfaction of the Solution (18) the Patenting of an Original Creation (19) and a Sense of Achievement and Identity (20).