Chapter 1 - Cognition and Creativity

Abstract

This chapter discusses creative cognition. It draws from the plentiful research that uses cognitive theories. These focus on thinking skills and intellectual processes. That is a simple statement but the approaches to creative cognition are extremely varied. There are bridges between basic cognitive processes (e.g., memory, attention) and creative problem solving, as well as connections with intelligence, problem solving, language, and other capacities which tell us about individual differences. The basic processes are generally nomothetic, meaning that they represent universals. One oft-used model of creative cognition involves divergent thinking. It is used by an individual when he or she is faced with an open-ended task. In that light divergent thinking is a kind of problem solving. Divergent thinking is not synonymous with creative thinking, but it does tell something about the cognitive processes that may lead to original ideas and solutions. Other theories of creative cognition look to associative processes. Associative theories focus on how ideas are linked. Cognitive theories of creativity often focus specifically on the problem-solving process. A problem can be defined as a situation with a goal and an obstacle. Creative cognition is not only used for problem solving, however. It is often used for problem finding or even self-expression. The relationship of problem finding and problem solving is explored herein, as is the stage model of creative cognition.