Conflicts and Consistencies in Creativity Research and Teaching

Abstract

The interdisciplinary topic of creativity is both fascinating and controversial. In this review, we begin by highlighting the many ways that researchers conceptualize and define creativity, focusing in particular on the difference between everyday creativity and creativity associated with exceptional breakthroughs in thinking. In addition, we discuss the role of divergent and convergent creativity and the role that domain knowledge plays in creativity. Furthermore, we highlight how specific factors such as individual differences and time of day influence creativity. We conclude by discussing the impact of current educational practices on creativity in psychology classrooms.

Use of a Creative Problem Solving (CPS) Approach in a Senior Thesis Course to Advance Undergraduate Publications

“…This approach emphasizes creative and critical thinking in instruction—both at an individual and a group level (Baer, 1988; Isaksen et al, 1994; Treffinger et al, 2006). In the CPS framework, creative thinking occurs when a problem or challenge is considered from many different perspectives, which leads to a multitude of possible solutions or answers (this is also known as divergent thinking—see Wieth and Francis, 2018 for a review). In this stage of creative problem solving, many original solutions or answers are desired (Boynton, 2001).…”

“…In this stage of creative problem solving, many original solutions or answers are desired (Boynton, 2001). The second aspect of the CPS framework is critical thinking (also known as convergent thinking—see Wieth and Francis, 2018 for a review). After generating possible solutions to a problem or challenge, it is essential for the student to converge on a single most useful solution for that particular problem or challenge (Campbell, 1960; Mednick, 1962; Lundsteen, 1986; Amabile, 1988; Mumford, 2003; Sternberg, 2010).…”

Developing critical thinking, collective creativity skills and problem solving through playful design jams

“…Relates to: Creativity, Collaboration "Without environmental support, such as encouragement, social support, autonomy, resources or opportunities to present novel ideas, creativity may never come to fruition (Wieth & Francis, 2018), on the contrary, it will act as a barrier (Hepp K. et al, 2015)" (Moiranoa et al, 2020: 9).…”

A Decision Tree Based Methodology for Evaluating Creativity in Engineering Design

“…The RAT utilizes both divergent thinking (to explore connections between concepts) and convergent thinking (to choose the most appropriate connection, or answer to the RAT problem). Individuals commonly generate multiple possible connections between the words in a given RAT problem (divergent thinking) before choosing the best solution to the problem (convergent thinking; Wieth and Francis, 2018). Twelve RAT items were chosen from Mednick (1962) and Smith and Blankenship (1991).…”