Scientific creativity: A short overview

Abstract

This article gives a condensed overview of important findings, methods,

and theories related to scientific creativity. The topics discussed are
grouped into the fourfold classification of the creative product, the creative
person, the creative process, and the creative situation. Methods for
evaluating the impact and creativeness of the creative product are citation
analysis and rating inventories. The section in the creative person presents
findings on the presonality of creative scientists and research productivity
across the life span. The section on the creative process revies a stage
theory of the creative act. Remarks on the creative situation include of
summary of factors conducive to creative achievement and a discussion of
the problem of multiple discoveries. In one of two additional sections, a
comprehensive theory of scientific creativity-simonton's chance
configuration theory—is reviewd. The second additional section presents
recommendations for further research on scientific creativity.

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