CoCoR-R 2 Technique for Creativity and Attention Training

What is it?

CoCoR-R 2 is a (creativity) thinking technique that I developed in order to challenge and train your thinking to direct attention to Similarities, Differences and Relationships, Patterns, Systemic relationships.

This technique is closely related with CoCoR-R 1 and Analogical Thinking or Reasoning.

Basically it's an acronym that stands for:

Co - Compare

Co - Contrast

R   - Relations & Relationships

R   - Review

Premises

The basic premise of this technique is based on the assumption that given a minimum of any two Objects, Processes, Project, Systems, Things, Problems, Solutions, Inventions, Innovations, etc we can observe any number of Relationships, Similarities and / or Differences.

Some of us tend to have a preference towards seeing primarily more Similarities and ignore Differences while others  have a preference towards seeing primarily more  Differences and ignore Similarities. 

Pre-Requisites?

Willingness to make a conscious effort to exercise your mind and do some Comparing and Contrasting.

What to Expect?

You may want to use it so that you became aware both of the similarities and differences.

You could expect that your decisions might be influenced as a result of noticing other details.

When to Use is?
Whenever you want to exercise you mind. When you are trying to solve a problem this technique might help you notice systemic distinctions and inter-dependencies between the elements of the problem. Once you are aware of them you can come up with new solutions.

Related Techniques:

- ALESI
- DUCII
- Wi-RAR-Ri

• How to Use this Technique?

Step 1:

- Compare and :
Ask - What are the similarities between these Objects / Persons / Processes...?
Complete - These Objects are like each-other when it comes to.....
Find a minimum of 3 to 5 Comparisons. 

Step 2:

- Contrast and :
Ask - What are the differences between these Objects / Persons / Processes...?
Complete - These Objects are incompatible with each-other when it comes to.....
Find a minimum of 3 to 5 Contrasting Points.

Step 3:

- Relate and :
Ask - How do these Objects / Persons / Processes...relate to each-other?
Complete - The relationships between these Objects are.....
Find a minimum of 3 to 5 Relationships. 

Step 4:

Review your answers and Reflect by asking:
- What patterns are now you becoming aware of?
- In what other ways could I practical use for the Similarities/ Differences / Relationships I have identified?
- What are the new solutions am I becoming aware to some of the challenges I or others are facing?
- What opportunities do I see now?
- What systemic relationships / interdependencies could I extrapolate given the Similarities/ Differences / Relationships I have identified?

Please note a few subtle differences :

• Relation tends to describe:
• A thing's effect on or relevance to another;
• A trait that is connecting two or more objects;

• Relationship tends to refer to: 
• the way in which two or more people or things are connected;
• the state of being connected; 
• the way in which two or more people or groups regard and behave towards each other.

The main difference between CoCoR-R 1 and CoCoR-R 2 is the starting position. In CoCoR-R 1 we start with 1 object while in CoCoR-R 2 we have a minimum of 2 objects.