Theories of creativity

de Mark A. Runco, Robert S. Albert

Renewed interest in the complex subject of creativity reveals a trend towards an empirical approach, with a psychology of creativeness that takes note of adult performance and achievements in a variety of settings. The move away from the traditional humanistic, child-centered approach also focuses on differences between types of problem-solving and problem-generating behaviours, the interaction of individuals within social systems and the impact of diverse social systems. Theories of Creativity explores this new emphasis in articles by leading authorities who represent major approaches to the study of creativity. The volume encompasses a variety of psychological perspectives, including behavioural, cognitive, developmental, ecological, anthropological, psychometric and social. In each of the five sections, common issues and processes are presented from different viewpoints in an attempt to integrate diverse theoretical and empirical orientations.