Assessing and Accessing Creativity: An Integrative Review of Theory, Research, and Development

Creative thinking is a complex cognitive activity. Modern conceptions of creativity are so diverse and extensive that a definition of creativity must include related cognitive activities such as decision making, critical thinking, and metacognition. A comprehensive assessment requires multiple measures of the cognitive processes, motivations, interests, attitudes, and styles associated with creativity; the result of the creative process such as products, presentations, and performances; and the effects of environmental press factors. Creative thinking and creative problem solving are aspects of human cognition and behavior that can be accessed through a number of strategies often incorporated in training programs. These programs focus on one or more of the following: personality factors, motivation, cognition styles, metacognitive skills, and the manipulation of environmental conditions that encourage flexibility and openness for stimulating creative processes and behaviors. This article reviews theories,...

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