Interesting theories and interactionist models provide different perspectives on creativity and highlight the multifaceted nature of this complex phenomenon. By considering biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors, they offer comprehensive insights into what drives and shapes creative expression in individuals and groups.
- Simonton’s evolutionary model
- Amabile’s componential model
- The systemic model of Csikzentmihályi
- Sternberg and Lubart’s inversion theory
- The biopsychosocial model of Dacey and Lennon
- Sawyer’s sociocultural model
1. Simonton’s Evolutionary Model
Dean Keith Simonton’s evolutionary model of creativity posits that creativity is a product of Darwinian natural selection. According to this theory, creative individuals produce novel and valuable ideas, which are then subjected to the selection process by society or the environment. The more adaptive and beneficial the creative ideas are for society, the more likely they are to be preserved and passed on to future generations. This model emphasizes the role of the environment in shaping creative achievements and how creative ideas evolve over time.
2. Amabile’s Componential Model
Teresa Amabile’s componential model of creativity suggests that creativity is influenced by three major components: domain-relevant skills, creativity-relevant processes, and task motivation. Domain-relevant skills refer to the knowledge and expertise in a particular field, creativity-relevant processes involve cognitive and problem-solving abilities, and task motivation relates to intrinsic and extrinsic factors that drive a person’s commitment to a creative task. According to Amabile, the interaction of these three components determines the level of creativity displayed by an individual in a specific context.
3. Csikzentmihályi’s Systemic Model
Mihaly Csikszentmihályi’s systemic model of creativity, often associated with the concept of “flow,” proposes that creativity emerges when a person is in a state of deep concentration and enjoyment during a task. Flow occurs when the challenges of a task match an individual’s skills, leading to a state of optimal experience and performance. In this state, individuals are highly motivated and fully immersed in their work, leading to enhanced creativity and productivity.
4. Sternberg and Lubart’s Inversion Theory
Robert J. Sternberg and Todd Lubart’s inversion theory suggests that creativity is a result of the reorganization of mental representations. According to this theory, highly creative individuals can invert their thinking, meaning they can examine a problem or situation from unconventional angles and perspectives. This ability to think divergently and see things in novel ways enables them to come up with creative solutions and ideas.
5. Dacey and Lennon’s Biopsychosocial Model
John S. Dacey and Rocky P. S. Lennon’s biopsychosocial model of creativity integrates biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to creative expression. This model emphasizes how genetic predispositions, cognitive processes, personality traits, motivation, and social interactions all play a role in shaping an individual’s creative abilities and achievements.
6. Sawyer’s Sociocultural Model
R. Keith Sawyer’s sociocultural model of creativity emphasizes the role of social and cultural factors in fostering creativity. According to this model, creativity is not solely an individual trait but emerges from collaborative interactions and cultural influences. Sawyer argues that creativity is a distributed and social phenomenon that emerges from interactions within groups and communities, as individuals build on each other’s ideas and knowledge.
These six theories and interactionist models provide different perspectives on creativity and highlight the multifaceted nature of this complex phenomenon. By considering biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors, they offer comprehensive insights into what drives and shapes creative expression in individuals and groups.
© 2023, Innovator’s Guide / E.W. August 10, 2023