Abstract
Creativity is not a well-defined notion; however, research perspectives converge on certain basic definitions. This chapter analyzes the most widely held definitions of creativity. It also highlights the most-cited theories about creativity that have been developed in a bid to answer different core questions related to the perquisites of what is understood as a creative act. In this regard, the relationship between intelligence and creativity is discussed in the light of the most known theories of intelligence. Subsequently, the essential elements of what an individual needs to be creative are outlined, the notion of ‘genius' is explored, and the opinions on genius of some eminent psychologists, such as Marvin Lee Minsky and Richard Langton Gregory, are presented and commented on. Finally, the issue of creative thinking is tackled, with a focus on what aspects can enhance this ability. The discussion of individual creativity is concluded with an introduction of the social influence it has according to cultural psychology.
TopCreativity Definitions
The literature throws up various definitions of creativity. The widely accepted view is that creativity is the capability to develop both original and valuable ideas. Runco and Jaeger (2012) discussed this bipartite definition of creativity, addressing it as the standard definition. Accordingly, creativity should require both originality and effectiveness. Original things should be effective to be creative, while effectiveness should take the form of value. Here are some of the most popular definitions of creativity:
The creative work is a novel work that is accepted as tenable or useful or satisfying by a group in some point in time. (Stein, 1953, p. 311)
Originality is vital, but must be balanced with fit and appropriateness (Runco, 1988, p. 4)
[…] novel product, idea, or problem-solution that is for value to the individual or a larger social group. (Hennessey & Amabile, 2010, p. 572)
[…] the process of having ideas that have value. (Robinson, 2011, p. 198)
A creative idea is marked by three attributes: It must be original, it must be useful or appropriate for the situation in which it occurs, and it must actually be put to some use. (Martindale, 2013, p. 211)
[…] the process of creating ideas, artifacts, processes, and solutions, that are novel and effective. (Henriksen, Richardson & Mehta, 2017, p. 141)
Figure 1. shows the contribution of originality and appropriateness in creativity according to the most commonly followed definitions of creativity.
Figure 1. Definitional elements of creativity
Key Terms in this Chapter
Divergent Thinking: Is the generation of a variety of ideas and alternative solutions to problems.
Lamarckism: A theory of the French naturalist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck (1744–1829). His proposals concerning the inheritance of acquired characteristics through use and disuse, and increases in complexity, have been proven wrong by subsequent studies in genetics.
Convergent Thinking: Is a type of reasoning that involves solving a problem within the context of known information and applying established rules and logical reasoning.
Kinesthetic Intelligence: The capacity to manipulate objects and use a variety of physical skills. People with kinesthetic intelligence have excellent physical coordination, e.g., are skilled at dancing and sports, or able to create things with their hands.
Carrol’s Three-Stratum Model: A theory of cognitive ability proposed by the American psychologist John Carroll in 1993. It assumes three layers (strata) to represent narrow, broad, and general cognitive ability.
Emergenesis: A process whereby a trait emerges if and only if a number of independent sub-traits are present simultaneously.
Biological Reductionism in Psychology: Knowledge about a higher-order construct in psychology is represented and explained in biological terms.