Creativity involves generating novel concepts and products that are valued by the creator as well as by the public. In this paper, we argue that risk-taking in songwriting increases the likelihood of any individual's product being valued as creative. By reviewing the case histories of several successful songwriters, we show that heightened…

The role of serendipity or "chance in all its forms" in scientific discovery is considered. The need to differentiate between purely accidental events and Rothenberg's "articulations of error" when discussing scientific discoveries is stressed. Examples of articulations of errors are noted, including Fleming (penicillin),…

This paper first reviews existing models of creative problem solving in art and then proposes the Model for Idea Inception and Image Development in Art. This model consists of five stages: (1) associative exploration; (2) problem parameter exploration; (3) multiple focus exploration; (4) primary focus exploration; and (5) refinement. (Author/DB)

This discussion examines elements of intrapersonal dialog (the self, the other, and the relationship) which can enhance personal creativity. (DB)

The lack of a common understanding of the construct of creative thinking is noted, and the cognitive spiral model is presented, which conceptualizes creative thinking as an integral component of all cognitive processing. This article details the synthesis of a definition and the structure of a model of cognitive processing. (Author/DB)

It is argued that creative behavior is a product of the uniquely human capacity to will and requires activation of the prefrontal lobe "cells of will" to facilitate the harmonious functioning of all parts of the brain. (DB)

This article proposes that transcendence, the mystical nature of creativity, is not only sequential but a subset of the evolutionary process. Deliberate application of the principles of Darwin's theory is seen as speeding and improving the creative process for both individuals and groups. The importance to creative thinking of randomness processed…

This paper views creativity as the combination of the conditions of interaction and transformation-imagination-fantasy. These conditions operate together, simultaneously, in order to define the complex process of creativity. (DB)

The introduction from a soon-to-be published book on the concept of visioneering -- engineering a vision into reality -- is printed here. The article discusses the creative process, its historical and research background, the use of creative problem solving in approaching challenges and making decisions, and the current language of creativity.…

This discussion of the discovery process in science suggests that discoveries are often made by a pattern recognition process which includes elaboration of a perceived pattern involving development of a descriptive vocabulary, elucidation of mathematical relations and measures, development of measurement instruments and techniques, and deduction…

A creatology matrix is developed to examine the abilities, processes, and products of four kinds of entities (culture, organization, group, person). Also examined are creativity as a matter of knowledge, identification with basic cultural values, and typicality of creative people within a culture. (JDD)

The paper questions the relationship among reason, imagination, and empathy, and argues that empathy fosters critical and creative thinking and that its enhancement should be adopted as an important educational goal. The paper proposes that critical and creative thinking are much more integrated processes than often supposed. (JDD)

This paper argues that emphasis on conventional critical thinking ("logicism") skills neglects nonlogical, imaginative ways of knowing and suggests that imagination is a necessary condition for good thinking. Education in thinking skills should encourage both imaginative thinking and logical analysis. (DB)

This review of the literature examines three aspects of creative thinking and production: (1) metacognitive processing; (2) the knowledge base; and (3) personality variables. It is concluded that all three are essential elements, they operate interactively, and the results of creative thinking and problem solving are best assessed through…

Reviews the perspective of Donald Campbell on creative thought and argues that the role of blind variation and selective retention in Darwinian evaluation and human invention is different. Proposes that a contrast can be drawn between "smart" and "not so smart" blind variation. (CR)