Date of Award
5-2026
Access Control
Open Access
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Advisor
Dr. Molly Holinger
Department Home page
Center for Applied Imagination
First Reader
Dr. Molly Holinger
Abstract
As artificial intelligence tools become increasingly present in creative and problem-solving contexts, a critical question emerges: how can users engage with AI in ways that preserve rather than erode their own creative capacity? This project explores that question through research synthesis, practitioner conversations, coursework, international conference presentations, and the development of custom AI chatbots trained in the Creative Problem-Solving process. The central finding is a theoretical triangle comprising three interdependent capacities: autonomy, creative self-efficacy, and critical thinking. Grounded in Rhodes' (1961) Four P's framework, the triangle sits within the Person dimension. Convergent themes across the literature, practitioner conversations, and direct experience include the consistent gap between AI output and human judgment and the accelerating erosion of independent thinking. A forthcoming self-facilitation guide will apply these findings to the CPS process, structuring human leadership into each stage of AI collaboration.
Recommended Citation
Ackerbauer, Mikhaila, "Leading the Choreography: Preserving Creative Agency in AI-Supported Problem-Solving" (2026). Creativity and Change Leadership Graduate Student Master's Projects. 412.
https://digitalcommons.buffalostate.edu/creativeprojects/412
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