| dc.description.abstract | Major theories of creative cognition are reviewed in the present thesis. These theories are
diverse yet seem to converge on similar key processes. One definition of creativity
emphasizes going beyond stereotypical responses in the service of truly novel thought
patterns. However, the generation of remotely associated elements must be done in a
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controlled, goal directed manner. To examine stereotypic and novel thought patterns, I
used a cognitive measure termed Random Number Generation (RNG). Baseline tendencies
reflecting departures from randomness ('trait' tendencies) were assessed, as were
tendencies exhibited in a condition in which participants were asked to type number
sequences in as random an order as possible ('ability'). Creative originality and creative
achievement were found to relate to lower trait randomness on the Repetition of Responses
factor of RNG. Creative fluency and creative flexibility, on the other hand, were related to
higher ability for randomness according to the Prepotent Associates factor of RNG.
Results indicate that the ability to overcome stereotyped sequences is beneficial for
generating ideas, but that a certain rhythmicity of responding facilitates creative
achievement. Limitations of the study and future directions are discussed. | en_US |
