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+--- Thread: Creativity myths: Prevalence and correlates of misconceptions on creativity (/thread-10612.html)
Creativity myths: Prevalence and correlates of misconceptions on creativity - C C - Jul 9, 2021
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0191886921004451#!
ABSTRACT: Myths about creativity keep contributing to its mysterious aura despite our increasing scientific understanding of this complex phenomenon. This study examined the prevalence of known creativity myths across six countries from diverse cultural backgrounds and explored why some people believe in them more than others.
Results revealed persistent, wide-spread biases in the public conception of creativity, such as attributing creative achievements to spontaneity and chance rather than persistence and expertise. Firmer belief in creativity myths was related to lower education, stronger reliance on undependable sources, and personality traits reflecting the willingness to accept questionable notions and to rely on opinions of others.
The findings highlight the need for better communication of evidence-based knowledge to enable more effective support for creativity. (MORE)
Creative Definition Myths
- Creativity cannot be measured
- Creativity is essentially the same as art
- Creative ideas are naturally a good thing
- Most people would not be able to distinguish abstract art from abstract children's drawings
- Creative accomplishments are usually the result of a sudden inspiration
- Creative thinking mostly happens in the right hemisphere of the brain
- Creativity tends to be a solitary activity
- Creativity is a rare gift
- People have a certain amount of creativity and cannot do much to change it
- Children are more creative than adults
- Mental health disorders usually accompany exceptional creativity
- People get more creative ideas under the influence of alcohol or marijuana
- Long-term schooling harms the creativity of children
- Brainstorming in a group generates more ideas than if people were thinking by themselves
- One is most creative when with total freedom in one's actions