Theoretical Foundations
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Source: From: Treffinger, D., Isaksen, S. & Firestien, R. (1982). Handbook of creative learning. Williamsville, NY: Center for Creative Learning (based on Gowan’s Classification)
Categories of Theories
1) Cognitive, Rational and Semantic
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Viewed as rational, largely set in the cognitive domain, in which there is an emphasis on semantic or verbal concepts or associations
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Interested in defining phases/stages of creative process and stresses the products of creative thinking and problem solving
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Most widely known process because of its practical implications
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Fact-Finding, Problem-Finding, Idea-Finding, Solution-Finding, Acceptance-Finding
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Emphasis on process (5 steps) and product (a plan of action)
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References: Osborn, Parnes, Guilford, Koestler
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2) Personality and Environmental – concerned with:
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Personality traits or characteristics of the creative person
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Parental practices, social/cultural setting: conformity, social norms and pressures; rewards, sanctions, motivational characteristics
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Transactualisation: taking a systems approach, involving many assessment procedures
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Integration of cognitive (thinking) and affective (feeling/emotion) aspects of creativity
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Stimulus/response: monitoring specific behaviours and reinforcers.
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References: Barron, MacKinnon, Stein, Taylor, Williams
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3) Third Force Psychology (Mental health and psychological growth)
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Stresses human potential for self-actualization, personal growth and fulfillment
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References: May, Maslow, Rogers, Land
4) Psychoanalytic or Psychodynamic
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Stems from the work of Freud: classical Freudian emphasis on conflict and sublimation
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Creativity relates to the emphasis on regression and pre-consciousness
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References: Freud, Kris,Kubie, Jung
5) Psychedelic
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Mind-expansion and personal psychedelic stimulation: emphasizes the importance of altered states of consciousness (through drugs)
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Multi-sensory stimulation: expansion of consciousness (non-drug)
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References: Barron, Gowan, Khatena, Tart, Houston