A Critical Response to “The Psychology of Creativity: A Critical Reading”

Abstract

The psychology of creativity is nowadays a thriving field of investigation, but also a discipline in crisis. This is the premise for the critical reading of past and present work within this area proposed here. The presentation follows the typical headings of a research article, beginning with a consideration of research questions, definitions and their operationalization, as well as units of analysis, and continuing with reflections on sample and method, discussion of theory and practical implications. At each step, questions are raised about current practices and implicit assumptions in order to help us develop a stronger psychology of creativity in the decades to come. In the end, six main points are placed on a hypothetical agenda for future (creative) creativity research. In this sense, a critical reading is actually the first step in the process of being constructive and calling for increased awareness and responsibility in relation to the future of the discipline.