Creativity : theories and themes : research, development, and practice

An integrative introduction to the theories and themes in research on creativity, this book is both a reference work and text for courses in this burgeoning area of research. The book begins with a discussion of the theories of creativity (Person, Product, Process, Place), the general question of whether creativity is influenced by nature or nurture, what research has indicated of the personality and style of creative individuals from a personality analysis standpoint, how social context affects creativity, and then coverage of issues like gender differences, whether creativity can be enhanced, if creativity is related to poor mental or physical health, etc. The book contains boxes covering special interest items including one page biographies of famous creative individuals and activities for a group or individual to test and/or encourage creativity, as well as references to internet sites relating to creativity. Breaks down the major theories about creativity but doesn't restrict to a singular perspective Includes extensive citations of existing literature Textbook features included (i.e., key terms defined) An integrative introduction to the theories and themes in research on creativity, this book is both a reference work and text for courses in this burgeoning area of research. The book begins with a discussion of the theories of creativity (Person, Product, Process, Place), the general question of whether creativity is influenced by nature or nurture, what research has indicated of the personality and style of creative individuals from a personality analysis standpoint, how social context affects creativity, and then coverage of issues like gender differences, whether creativity can be enhanced, if creativity is related to poor mental or physical health, etc.

The book contains boxes covering special interest items including one page biographies of famous creative individuals and activities for a group or individual to test and/or encourage creativity, as well as references to internet sites relating to creativity.

• Breaks down the major theories about creativity but doesn't restrict to a singular perspective
• Includes extensive citations of existing literature
• Textbook features included (i.e., key terms defined)

An integrative introduction to the theories and themes in research on creativity, this book is both a reference work and text for courses in this burgeoning area of research. The book begins with a discussion of the theories of creativity (Person, Product, Process, Place), the general question of whether creativity is influenced by nature or nurture, what research has indicated of the personality and style of creative individuals from a personality analysis standpoint, how social context affects creativity, and then coverage of issues like gender differences, whether creativity can be enhanced, if creativity is related to poor mental or physical health, etc.

The book contains boxes covering special interest items including one page biographies of famous creative individuals and activities for a group or individual to test and/or encourage creativity, as well as references to internet sites relating to creativity.

*Breaks down the major theories about creativity but doesn't restrict to a singular perspective
*Includes extensive citations of existing literature
*Textbook features included (i.e., key terms defined) Summarizing scholarly research on creativity, Creativity: Theories and Themes draws together a sprawling literature from psychology, business, education, sociology, economics, and more. The book investigates what research findings indicate with regard to development, expression, and enhancement of creativity. Beginning with a discussion of theories of creativity, the book progresses to research on the nature/nurture debate as to what influences creativity, how creativity is related to personality, how social context may affect creativity, mental health and its relation to creativity, gender differences, and how creativity is related to and differs from invention, innovation, imagination, and adaptability. Intended as the first textbook on creativity, it will also serve as a comprehensive source to creativity research for scholars and libraries. Written with a great enthusiasm for the subject, with lavish inclusion of quotes, figures, and interesting boxed asides of controversial issues, related historical facts, measures, etc., the book provides a fascinating glimpse into the creative world. Content: Preface , Pages ix-xi Chapter 1 - Cognition and Creativity , Pages 1-38 Chapter 2 - Developmental Trends and Influences on Creativity , Pages 39-69 Chapter 3 - Biological Perspectives on Creativity , Pages 71-113 Chapter 4 - Health and Clinical Perspectives , Pages 115-152 Chapter 5 - Social, Attributional, and Organizational Perspectives , Pages 153-176 Chapter 6 - Educational Perspectives , Pages 177-212 Chapter 7 - History and Historiometry , Pages 213-261 Chapter 8 - Culture and Creativity , Pages 263-277 Chapter 9 - Personality and Motivation , Pages 279-317 Chapter 10 - Enhancement and the Fulfillment of Potential , Pages 319-373 Chapter 11 - Conclusion: What creativity is and what is not , Pages 375-412 References , Pages 413-476 Index , Pages 477-492 ''Mark A. Runco's excellent book Creativity: Theories and Themes: Research, Development, and Practice may be one way to bring creativity back into relevance in psychology. This remarkable book clearly sets the stage for those involved in creativity research, for those wanting to get into this interesting and complex area, or simply for those who want an up-to-date volume on the field from one of the leading researchers in the area.'' --PsycCritiques (Oct 10, 2007, Vol 52, Release 41, Article 8)