Mapping research on scientific creativity: A bibliometric review of the literature in the last 20 years

Abstract

The main goal of this study is to use bibliometric methods to explore the scientific creativity literature over the past two decades. The aim is to gain a deep understanding of how this field has developed conceptually, intellectually, and socially, with the objective of advancing both empirical evidence and conceptual understanding. The study draws upon the Scopus database as the source of literature metadata, subsequently subjecting the data to analysis via the Bibliometrix software. Commencing with an initial identification of 254 articles, a stringent application of search and exclusion criteria led to the inclusion of 110 articles for in-depth analysis. The outcomes of this research unveil pivotal themes within scientific creativity, offering a quantitative analysis that presents an encompassing view through tables, graphs, and maps. Moreover, the study delves into identifying core performance indicators associated with article production and citation rates. As discerned from the results, the emerging research directions within scientific creativity encompass the enhancement and assessment of scientific creativity, pedagogical strategies for teaching creativity within science education, and the exploration of thinking skills pertinent to scientific creativity. These findings provide valuable insights for future researchers and also have practical implications for educators and policymakers. By doing so, this study helps inform the development of strategies to effectively foster scientific creativity in the context of the 21st-century skills era.