Creativity
In the modern era of scientific, technological, and industrial development, new inventions are taking place in various fields every day. While most of these inventions are based on the tireless hard work of scientists, their creativity also plays an important role. There are four elements of Creativity which we will learn today.
Earlier, it was believed that only writers, poets, painters, musicians, and similar artists are creative people, but now it is widely accepted that creativity can be expressed in every field of human endeavor.
Creativity is an inherent trait found in all human beings worldwide, with some people possessing more creativity than others.
After the Second World War, psychologists and educationists paid special attention to the concept of creativity.
In present times, the rapid scientific, technological, and industrial progress and modernization have made human life complex and problematic, necessitating the need for creativity to solve these issues.
Definition of Creativity
We can say that creativity is the ability that enables a person to think and deliberate innovatively to find scholarly solutions to problems.
Four elements of Creativity
There are four main elements of creativity:
1. Fluency: Fluency means presenting as many ideas and responses as possible on a given problem. Fluency can be divided into four parts:
(a) Ideational Fluency,
(b) Expressional Fluency,
(c) Associative Fluency,
(d) Word Fluency.
2. Flexibility: Variety refers to the variety of responses or options given to any problem. Variety is generally the number of types of answers given to solve any problem.
3. Originality: Originality means that the given answers or options are different from the answers or options of other persons.
4. Elaboration: Elaboration means detailed explanation of the given ideas or expressions. Elaboration can be semantic or figurative.
Key Characteristics of Creativity
1. Process and Result: Creativity encompasses both the process and the result.
2. Universality: Creativity is found in all individuals.
3. Uniqueness: The mental activity in creativity is distinctly unique.
4. Novelty: Creativity involves positive thinking, characterized by novelty.
5. Flexibility: Flexibility in thinking or ideas is an essential characteristic of creativity.
6. Divergent Thinking: Creativity promotes divergent thinking tendencies.
7. Originality: Creativity exhibits originality, where problem solutions differ from others.
8. Reinterpretation: Creativity involves explaining undefined or vague ideas or facts.
9. Nurtured by Training: Creativity can be enhanced and developed through training.
10. Source of Joy and Satisfaction: Engaging in creative activities serves as a source of joy and satisfaction for the creator.
Creativity VS Intelligence
Creativity and Intelligence are Not Synonymous: A minimum level of intellectual ability is necessary for creative work, but there is no direct positive relationship between them. So creativity and intelligence both are different and key differences include:
(i) Intelligence involves convergent thinking, whereas creativity involves divergent thinking.
(ii) Intelligence measures speed and accuracy, while creativity measures fluency, originality, variety, and novelty.
(iii) It is not necessary that a more intelligent person is more creative.
(iv) Intelligence comprises general intellectual ability, whereas creativity consists of the quality of uniqueness.
Theories of creativity
1. Ancient Theory of Creativity
According to this theory, creativity is God-given, suggesting that individuals more blessed by God possess greater creative abilities.
2. Theory of Inborn Creativity
This theory proposes that creativity is an innate mental ability present at birth. Figures like James Watt, Isaac Newton, and Vivekananda exemplify individuals considered creative from birth.
3. Theory of Environmentally Acquired Creativity
This theory posits that creativity, like other human abilities, is acquired through environmental influences and can be developed further.
4. Cerebral Hemisphere Theory
This theory suggests that the cerebrum’s two hemispheres (right and left) specialize in different functions. Creativity is primarily associated with the right hemisphere, indicating that individuals with dominant right hemispheres tend to be more creative.
5. Psychoanalytical Theory
According to Freud’s Psychoanalytical Theory, creativity stems from the transformation of repressed, unsatisfied desires and sexual energy into socially desirable and personally fulfilling expressions.
Steps of the Creative Process (E.P. Torrance)
E. P. Torrance has given a test to know the level of creative thinking- E.P. TORRANCE TEST OF CREATIVE THINKING
E.P. Torrance identified the following steps of creativity :
1. Becoming aware of problems.
2. Gathering and synthesizing available information.
3. Searching for solutions.
4. Communicating the results.
Explore More:-
The Psychology of Learning: 5 Key Factors Influncing Learning
Jean Piaget Classified Cognitive Development Theory – Four Stages
Discover more from Educational Psyche
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