Postulates that creativity is a state of being challenged by the socialization process in Western civilization, which stifles creativity from early childhood. Explores definitions and theories of creativity, the functions of the social ego, and the different modes of being. Discusses implications for education. (Author/CR)

This paper outlines cognitive processes underpinning creative ability, considers their development, and discusses the creative potential of the individual at various life stages. Creativity is viewed as an outcome of self-directed transformational activity. The roles of fantasy and imagination are discussed, as is the contrast between public and…

This paper discusses the dialectics of creativity, especially in group behavior; notes how stabilizing influences result in hard-programed behavior; outlines habits of thinking, learning, and behaving that help in developing creative potential; and presents exercises to encourage flexibility in the group creative process and counter inhibiting…

Describes the main lines of research in behavioral creativity and comments on approaches that have concentrated on personality-related or cognitive aspects of creativity or that have studied attempts to stimulate creativity. In recent years there has been an increasing interest in the human capacity for producing new and original ideas in a social…

This paper examines the nature of creativity and the nourishing of children's creativity. One definition of creativity focuses on two of its aspects, of novelty and usefulness. Other definitions that stress one or the other of these aspects are discussed. According to M. Rhoades (1961), the four components of creativity are: (1) people--their…

This literature review is divided into sections describing studies that answer specific questions about reading and gifted children. Among the issues mentioned are the personality traits and attitudes of gifted children; their sex difference and environmental influences; the effect of early school admission; types of gifted programs; the…

The suggestion to equate values with purpose is considered. The advantage of value development over moral development is that values apply to a broader category of ideas while morality has a more confined and narrow application. All students and teachers should attempt to become both creators and appreciators of values. (JN)

Through a brief review of studies correlating the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking and standard intelligence measures, the author seeks to demonstrate that creativity and intelligence are not synonymous. He espouses Viktor Lowenfeld's concept of "Creative Intelligence" and describes the Future Problem Solving Program as a way to…

Imagery as it relates to creative imagination, incubation, and right brain activity, and as a subsystem of the General Systems approach, is discussed in terms of gifted education. Considered are the theories of G. Land (transformation theory), J. Gowan (developmental stage theory), and J. Eccles. (SBH)

The article reviews the literature on two questions: what is the normal course of creative development, and do peak periods exist during which people are most open to efforts to foster creative abilities. Six specific periods are identified as peak periods of creative growth. (DB)

An interactionist model of creative behavior is proposed, combining elements of the personality, cognitive, and social psychology perspectives on creativity. The model considers the interplay of factors including antecedent conditions, creative behavior, consequences, the individual, cognitive style/ability, personality traits, contextual…

This paper combines Gardner's multiple intelligences theory with Bloom's conception of talent to provide a foundation for the practice of fostering students' specific talents as a primary goal of gifted education. Individualized personal and skills-based growth plans are seen as a medium for career-oriented education based on students' identified…

While intelligence plays an important role in understanding human behavior, it is through creativity that we can understand a human's ability to cope with challenging situations in novel and appropriate ways. This fastback explores theories and research on creativity. Its chapters are: (1) "Looking for Creativity," describing six multidisciplinary…

This article discusses characteristics of creative people (problem sensitivity, idea fluency, originality, and flexibility); the importance of managers appreciating the work styles of creative people; and seven characteristics of an organizational climate that encourages creativity. (DB)

This discussion of creativity in its educational context first considers the role of the creative product, process, personality, and environment. A proposal for teaching student teachers to teach more creatively is offered. The approach stresses development of originality, fluency, abstraction, elaboration, and openness. (DB)