"Theories of Creativity" by Aaron Kozbelt, Ronald A. Beghetto, and Mark A. Runco

Summary

This chapter from "The Cambridge Handbook of Creativity" serves as an introduction to the diverse landscape of creativity theories. The authors advocate for moderation and pluralism, suggesting that no single perspective fully captures the complexity of creativity and that various theories, with their different assumptions and methods, offer valuable insights. The text then systematically reviews major contemporary theories, organising them into categories such as developmental, psychometric, cognitive, and systems-based approaches. By examining each category, the authors highlight key concepts, underlying assertions, and influential studies, ultimately aiming to provide a comprehensive "big picture" of how creativity has been conceptualised and researched.