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What is creativity? It is a complex phenomenon that has no clear and immediate definition. In general, creativity is the ability to solve problems or create new things in new ways. The psychological definition of creativity is broken down into two parts:
The greater originality and functionality a creation has, the more creative it is. However, if a creation is lacking in one of these departments, it is not as creative. For example, if someone comes up with an idea that is completely unique from anything in existence, but possesses little to no usefulness, the idea is dismissed.
In psychology, the concept of creativity is often discussed in conjunction with individuals who have made great creative achievements in the world. Such figures include the likes of Benjamin Franklin, who developed many different inventions that are still in use today. Creative people are often those who can perceive ideas of the broader world from fresh perspectives, or come to unique conclusions regarding current problems. However, creativity often goes beyond the ability to simply make great things or develop great new ideas for the broader world. People who practice music, art, or storytelling are people practicing creative tasks. These tasks are often seen as inherently creative because these tasks involve making something from seemingly nothing.
Different psychologists have different ideas on what creativity is, how it works, and what constitutes a creative act. Today, a widely accepted model of creativity is the Four-C model, in which there are four different types of creativity:
The Four-C model is an expanded model of the personality model of creativity.
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There are many varying theories regarding creativity that have been explored throughout history. One of the first models was developed by J.P. Guilford. His model, which he called the Intellect Model, stated that creativity was a process of divergent thinking, a category containing multiple concepts and processes within it. His approach was primarily intellectual. He stated that creativity was born of three things:
Another psychologist that discussed creativity is Kerrie Unsworth. Unsworth builds upon Guilford's highly intellect-based model, introducing both motivation and problem type into the equation. She created a matrix that discusses the different types of creativity based on problem type and motivation.
| Problem Type | External Motivation | Internal Motivation |
|---|---|---|
| Open | Expected creativity: Required solution to a discovered problem | Proactive creativity: volunteered solution to a discovered problem |
| Closed | Responsive creativity: required solution to a specified problem | Contributory creativity: volunteered solution to a specified problem |
Later, the concept of personality was introduced to the theory of creativity, creating the Personality Model. The personality theory of creativity states that there are two options for creativity: ''Little-C'' creativity and ''Big-C'' creativity. Little-C creativity is that which can be seen in everyday life. These are small adaptations to everyday problems. Big-C creativity is creativity that is capable of changing how others think and feel. These include inventions like the light bulb, the car, or even the laundry machine. The personality model also states that personality, based on the ''Big Five'' personality traits, is intrinsically tied to creativity. The Big Five personality traits are openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism.
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Here are some psychology creativity examples to aid in the understanding of the concept.
Leonardo da Vinci was a painter during the Renaissance era of history. However, not only did he paint magnificent works of art like the Mona Lisa, he was also an engineer and a scientist. He wrote treatises that discussed human anatomy, elements of mechanics, and botany, in addition to treatises on art, painting, and architecture. For Da Vinci, much of his research was in an effort to solve problems that he was having in his other works. For example, he studied human anatomy extensively so that he might better paint the human figure.
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Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was a composer born in Austria who lived from 1756 to 1791. He is largely regarded as one of the best and greatest composers in history. He was able to write compelling and excellent music in a wide variety of genres, making him an incredibly versatile composer. This is also why he is deemed to be one of the most creative people in history. He was able to compose within constraints defined by the genre he was composing in. Beyond that, the music he composed was of such high quality that it garnered great attention and fame both during his life and well after.
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Creativity is the ability of a person to generate new ideas or solve problems in new and unique ways. In psychology, creativity is defined by originality (how unique the idea is) and functionality (how useful the idea is). Some of the most creative people in history, such as Leonardo da Vinci and Mozart, created many works that were both highly original and highly functional. Beyond this, these individuals were capable of tackling problems in unique ways.
There are many different theories and models of creativity. One of the first was developed by J.P. Guilford. His model, called the Intellect Model, discusses how creativity is a category of mental processes involving divergent thinking. Psychologist Karrie Unsworth expanded upon this theory, stating that motivation and problem type are important to creativity. The Personality Model states that there are two types of creativity: Little-C creativity (everyday problem solving and adaptation), and Big-C creativity (creating new ideas that are capable of changing the way people think or live life). It also states that creativity is directly tied to personality and the Big Five personality traits. The Four-C model builds from this, adding two more types. Pro-C is the creativity of professionals within their fields. Mini-C creativity relates to personal insights that are meaningful on an individual level.
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Creativity is a fundamental quality of the human mind. At the same time, creativity is incredibly difficult to describe and define.
Leonardo da Vinci is an excellent example of creativity. Da Vinci was not only a prolific painter, but also a scientist and engineer. In order to tackle the problem of the difficulty of painting the human figure, he studied anatomy at a scientific level, which was recorded and later used in the medical field.
The popular Four-C model of creativity lists four different types of creativity. Mini-C creativity involves new ideas and insights that are personally meaningful, while Little-C creativity involves everyday thinking and problem solving. Pro-C creativity is a professional's ability to solve problems in unique ways and create new things in their respective fields. Big-C creativity is the creation of ideas that are largely considered great.
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