Theoretical Approaches and Methodology In Creativity Research

THEORETICAL APPROACHES AND METHODOLOGY IN CREATIVITY RESEARCH Introduction  In creativity research, different theoretical approaches and methodologies have been employed to understand how creative thinking works. This lecture explores the works of Max Wertheimer, Gestalt psychology, structuralism, and Piaget's developmentalism in the context of creativity research. Max Wertheimer and Gestalt Psychology  Max Wertheimer's book, "Productive Thinking" (1945), focused on seven cases, including creative thinkers like Gauss, Galileo, and Einstein.  Problem Solving and Perception: Wertheimer emphasized the analogy between problem-solving and perception. He used structural concepts such as transformation, recentering, gap-filling, and figure-ground reversal to describe the problem-solving process.  Gestalt Theory and Creative Process: While non-Gestaltists often emphasize sudden insight or the "Gestalt switch," Wertheimer's approach focused on structural transformations that occur over time, similar to the evolving systems approach. The Evolution of Theoretical Approaches  Early traditions, such as Titchener's focus on the experiential aspects of thinking, were based on inner experiences like visual imagery.  With the rise of behaviorism, experiential studies of thinking went out of favor.  Recent years have seen a resurgence of interest in inner experiences, especially visual imagery, but there's still limited knowledge about their role in creative work. Theory and Method in Creativity Research  Theory and method in creativity research are closely related. The chosen method specifies what aspects of creativity are considered important for study.  Different theoretical approaches have unique methodological commitments and attitudes toward measurement. Factorial Approach  In the factorial approach, measurement is essential, with the belief that everything important should be measured. The emphasis is on quantification and identifying factors contributing to creativity. Gestalt Approach  The Gestalt approach focuses on understanding the structure of the situation that the subject faces. It emphasizes how creators transform situations through a series of moves analogous to perceptual phenomena.  Measurement is not a central concern in the Gestalt approach. Instead, understanding the structural aspects of the problem-solving process takes precedence. Structuralists and Developmentalists  Structuralists (or constructionists, epigeneticists, developmentalists) are related to the Gestaltists but differ in that they aim to discover universal norms governing a class of tasks.  Piaget is a prominent developmentalist who used the "clinical method" to deeply probe cognitive tasks and thought processes in children.  Piaget's focus was not on the individual but on understanding the epistemic structure developing in children. The Role of Inner Experience  Recent research has renewed interest in inner experiences like visual imagery in the creative process.  The use of the clinical method involves in-depth interviews centered around cognitive tasks and thought processes. Structuralists and Case Study Approach  Structuralists study a group of related problems or experiments to understand the epistemic structure regulating a class of tasks.  Unlike structuralists, the case study approach in creativity research focuses on the individual and their unique creative process.  Understanding the individual's developmental pathway is crucial in this approach. Conclusion  Theoretical approaches in creativity research inform the chosen methodology, and different approaches have distinct methodological commitments.  The case study approach within the evolving systems approach emphasizes the study of individuals, their unique creative processes, and their developmental pathways.