Creativity

Creativity

Ability to produce something both novel and and effective for its intended purpose.

Divergent thinking

Ability to generate multiple different ideas or possible solutions. Associated with right hemisphere.

Convergent thinking

Linear, logical, moves toward single solution. (IQ tests, scholastic tests)

Right hemisphere of the brain

Nonverbal and holistic processing.

Left hemisphere of the brain

Verbal, linear, and logical processing.

Perceptual restructuring

Seeing a stimulus in a new or different way.

Verbal overshadowing

When verbalizing or using language interferes with tasks that rely on right-hemisphere processing.

Problem formulation

The way an individual understands, frames, or represents a problem.

Three components of problem formulation

Current state - situation you are currently in

Goal state - situation you want to reach

Operators - procedures or actions used to move from the current state to the goal state

Insight problems

Problems that require reframing or reformulating the problem to solve them.

Impasse

A state of feeling stuck and not knowing how to proceed

Well-defined problems

A problem with a clear formulation, current state, goal state, and available operators.

ill-defined problem

A problem where the current state, goal, or possible actions are unclear.

Big Five trait associated with insight problem-solving

Openness/intellect

Two cognitive abilities independently contribute to insight

IQ and divergent thinking

Why does creativity require both convergent and divergent thinking?

Divergent thinking generates new ideas and formulations, while convergent thinking evaluates and develops appropriate solutions

Big C creativity

Creativity that produces major achievements with a wide impact on society.

Little c creativity

Everyday creativity, such as original ideas, artistic activities, and creative problem-solving. (Increases meaning, purpose, and positive emotion.)

Big five facet associated with artistic creativity

Openness (+Extraversion)

Big Five facet associated with scientific creativity

Intellect

Latent inhibition

Automatic process of filtering irrelevant information out of consciousness.

Low latent inhibition in high functioning individuals associated with

Creativity, notice unusual details and make unexpected connections. High plasticity.