Beware of Simple Conclusions: The Case for Content Generality of Creativity

Abstract

Several recent empirical and theoretical examinations of creativity have concluded that creativity is content specific (i.e., creativity within certain content areas is independent of creativity in other content areas). Indeed, the idea that creativity may even be task specific enjoys considerable research support. Most of this research and theory, however, suffers from conceptual, methodological, or logical oversights. The debate about the content general or specific nature of creativity is far from settled, and more comprehensive research programs are necessary if progress is to be made in this area.