The Role of Scale and Multiple Facets in Case Studies of Creativity

THE ROLE OF SCALE AND MULTIPLE FACETS IN CASE STUDIES OF CREATIVITY Introduction  Case studies are a valuable method for gaining deep insights into the creative process, and their effectiveness can vary based on the chosen scale and the facets examined within each case study. The Issue of Scale  In case studies, the issue of scale refers to the scope of the study, ranging from a narrow focus on a single work or opus to a broader examination of the entire body of work or oeuvre.  Focusing on a single opus, like Arnheim's work on Picasso's "Guernica," requires a deep technical understanding and empathy to analyze every detail of the creator's work.  On the other hand, studying the entire oeuvre necessitates perceiving the broader movements of the creator's thinking, understanding their worldview, and recognizing the life task that animates their entire body of work.  Researchers should consider experimenting with different scales to determine the most suitable orientation for a particular study. Multiple Facets in Creative Work  Creative work is multifaceted, involving various aspects of the creator's personality, cognition, and context.  Understanding these facets requires humility, recognizing that facets emerge from the creator's actions and thoughts, and the creator is likely aware of them as well.  Facets often nest within one another, and the hierarchical organization of these facets can be fluid, so researchers number them sequentially as they appear in the study. Holistic Approach  While focusing on multiple facets, it's essential to maintain a holistic approach that considers the creator as a whole person.  Completeness is pursued within each facet, and interactions between facets are explored to capture the entirety of the creator's personality.  The three major sub-systems in the study of creative individuals include knowledge, purpose, and affect, which need to be examined in their unique combinations for each case.  The concept of "loose coupling" emphasizes that these components are interconnected but not uniformly so across different cases, necessitating detailed and concrete analysis.  The developmental nature of creative work requires examining cases at multiple points in time, leading to the construction of a narrative as a natural component of any case study. Levels of Analysis  The level of analysis in creative case studies is akin to that of a physiologist who first studies individual organs and then their contributions to the functioning of the entire system.  The approach is to understand individual facets and how they interact within the broader context of the creator's work and life. Facet 1: Uniqueness  Every person is a combination of commonalities (Alpha), partial commonalities (Beta), and uniqueness (Gamma).  While some studies focus on the Gamma aspect of uniqueness, it's important to remember that creative work encompasses a blend of these aspects.  Metrics that highlight attributes common among creative individuals risk oversimplifying the complexity of creativity. Facet 2: The Epitome  The narrative in a case study often includes an epitome, a concise account of the creator's achievements.  The goal is not to rank creators but to understand the challenges they faced and how they overcame them.  Extended accounts explore what preceded and followed the creative work, considering precursors, descendants, and the historical context. Facet 3: Systems of Belief  The development of a creator's belief system is an essential facet in case studies.  Understanding how the creator's beliefs evolve over time is crucial, and this can be schematized to visualize changes.  The case of Darwin provides an example where sequential records of thinking, both verbal and visual, help trace the development of belief systems.  Creators often operate in a transitional space between established paradigms and emerging concepts, requiring sensitivity to shifts in their thinking. Conclusion  Case studies of creativity benefit from considering scale, ranging from narrow opus-focused studies to broader oeuvre-focused ones.  Multiple facets within creative work require holistic examination, combining completeness within each facet and exploration of their interactions.  Levels of analysis mimic a physiologist's approach, studying individual facets and their contributions to the creative system.  Specific facets, such as uniqueness, epitome, and systems of belief, offer rich insights into the study of creative individuals and their work.