Implicit Theories of Creativity: the conceptions of politicians, scientists, artists and school teachers

Abstract

While a high number of studies have focused on the nature of creativity and on approaches to identify and to promote creativity there is a lack of studies analysing people's implicit theories of creativity. The present study investigates implicit theories of individuals who are assumed to influence other's views on creativity. We collected data from politicians, scientists, artists and school teachers. Subjects were asked to write down what they spontaneously associate to the term “creativity”. Answers were analysed using quantitative and qualitative content analysis. Out of the 560 subjects asked, only 145 participated in the study. Answers were compared with regard to profession, gender, and country (Austria versus Germany). In general, results show extremely high answer variability. Differences in the number of associations produced and the most frequent words associated with creativity are higher across profession groups than between females and males and between respondents from Austria and from Germany. Artists seem to form an outstanding group. They show the highest participation rate of all subgroups, produced the highest number of associations, comprised the highest rate of subjects expressing ego‐involvement in their answers, and used the widest‐ranging approaches to creativity.

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