Creativity theory supports the conclusion that when a person recognizes the isomorphism in an analogic construct, that insight is the essentially creative act. Infraconscious mentation is more likely to produce insightful analogies than is rigorous, willful, consciously rational mentation, because infraconscious mentation, operating in the mode of…

Makes recommendations regarded cross-sectional and longitudinal research needed on creativity, developmental trends and processes related to creativity, and determinants of the development of creativity. (DR)

What are creative people like? There is evidence that four personality traits appear to differentiate more creative from less creative people: devotion to work, independence, drive for originality, and flexibility. Creative people do not have higher intelligence quotients (IQs) or get better school grades than others--in fact, no cognitive…

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…

Reviews the perspective of Donald Campbell on creative thought and argues that the role of blind variation and selective retention in Darwinian evaluation and human invention is different. Proposes that a contrast can be drawn between "smart" and "not so smart" blind variation. (CR)

Argues that while blind variation and selective retention (BVSR) may not be involved in all forms of human behavior and thought, Donald Campbell has made a compelling case that human creativity and invention involve BVSR. The complementary nature of prior and current BVSR in creative human endeavor is discussed. (Author/CR)

Schools can promote creative thinking by focusing on aesthetics, purpose, mobility, objectivity, and intrinsic motivation and by encouraging students to work at the edge of their competence. All elements of knowledge can be presented as the products of design, involving purpose, structure, model cases, and arguments. (TE)

Argues that the cognitive mechanisms in human creativity are, for the most part, sighted rather than blind. Reviews attempts to apply evolutionary ideas to psychology and argues that these ideas do not apply to the psychology of human creativity. An alternative sighted-variation framework is then proposed. (Author/CR)

Discusses creativity and its importance to society, providing a rationale for including creativity and problem-solving training in teacher education programs. Reviews the psychological underpinnings of creativity training and provides a suggested creativity course syllabus to foster the creative spirit in teachers. (27 citations.) (HAA)

Discusses computer software as an instructional means of enhancing curricular goals associated with creativity. Theoretical literature on creativity is reviewed; LOGO is discussed as a program to improve creativity in school children; and some ways to enhance instruction to improve the creative process are suggested. (29 references) (Author/LRW)

Looks at the concept of creativity, and provides an explanation of its development in humans using a socio-cognitive framework proposed by the psychologist Lev Vygotsky. Applies this theoretical framework to the development of, and attitude toward, creative thinking in the Chinese culture as contrasted with western cultures. (DSK)

The concept of creativity has many attributes and is a significant factor in our lives. Creative persons are observant, express part-truths, see things as others do not, are independent in cognitive faculties, are motivated by their talent and values, can hold many ideas at once, have greater sex drive, see a complex world, and have strong egos.…