An Introduction to Creativity
In-Out Thinking
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An Introduction to Creativity
From: OneFinePicture.com

An Introduction to Creativity
From: Public Domain

An Introduction to Creativity
Today’s Format
• Brief History of Research about Creativity
• Definitions
• Principles of Creativity
• Guided Discussion
• Report Out

An Introduction to Creativity
Abridged History
• 1950s – E. Paul Torrance
– Air Force studies

An Introduction to Creativity
J. P. Guilford (1950)

An Introduction to Creativity
Result

An Introduction to Creativity
Abridged History
“ Even before I started
researching creativity, I was
aware that there was a
- E. Paul Torrance (2003)
multitude of definitions of
creativity. After reviewing
many definitions, I decided
that, for research purposes
and for developing creativity
tests, a process definition
would fit my needs.

An Introduction to Creativity
Abridged History
Found categorically that - Rhodes (1961)
creativity was defined by:
– Person
– Product
– Process
– Press

An Introduction to Creativity
Abridged History
Modern research Firestein (1996)
“that which is novel and
definitions: useful”
Amabile (1996)
“the production of novel and
useful ideas in any domain”
Parnes (1992)
Creativity can be considered a
function of knowledge,
imagination, and evaluation.

An Introduction to Creativity
Usable Tips
• Quantity breeds quality
• Separation of thinking processes
– Divergent Thinking
– Convergent Thinking
• Principle of Growth
• Break Habits
• Play to Your Passion
• Allow for Intuition and Incubation

An Introduction to Creativity
Divergent Thinking
• Don’t judge
• Strive for quantity
• Seek novelty
• Freewheel

An Introduction to Creativity
Convergent Thinking
• Be affirmative
• Be deliberate
• Consider novelty
• Combine and strengthen options

An Introduction to Creativity
From: Public Domain

An Introduction to Creativity
Discussion Groups
• What might have been new?
• What grabbed your attention?
• What surprised you?
• What did you like?
• What can you take away?

An Introduction to Creativity
Accessible Resources
• E. Paul Torrance
– http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,91
71,819929,00.html

An Introduction to Creativity
Resources Cited
Amabile, T., Conti, R., Coon, H. et al. (1996). Assessing the work environment
for creativity. Academy of Management Journal, 39 (5):1154-1184.
Firestein, R. L. (1996). Leading the creative edge. New York: Pinon Press.
Parnes, S. J., (1992). Creative Problem-Solving and Visioning. In S. Parnes
(Ed.) Sourcebook for creative problem-solving (133-154). Hadley, MA:
Creative Education Foundation Press.
Rhodes, M. (1961). An analysis of creativity. Phi Delta Kappa , 41, 305-310.
Torrance, E. (1956). Personality adaptation in survival: Case studies of USAF
survivor evadees in Korea. Reno, NV: USAF Survival Training School.
Torrance, E., Rush, C., Kohn, H., & Doughty, J. (1957). Factors in fighter
interceptor pilot combat effectiveness. Lackland AFB, TX: Air Force
Personnel and Training Research Center.
Torrance, E.(2003). The millennium: A time for looking forward and looking
back. The Korean Journal of Thinking & Problem Solving, 10 (1): 5-19.