Personal Conceptions of Creativity Among Researchers: A Q-Sort

This study investigates the underlying patterns in elements of creativity conceptions among researchers using Q-methodology. Participants, who had published work on creativity, completed a Q-sort of 90 items related to creativity conceptions. The data analysis identified four distinct components: one emphasizing innovation and uniqueness, another focusing on cognitive processes and measurable attributes, a third highlighting creativity as an intrinsic, intangible quality, and a fourth centered on sociocultural impact and problem-solving. Field of study and the degree to which participants worked on creativity research predicted alignment with these components. The findings underscore the diversity of creativity conceptions underlying research in the field and emphasize the importance of acknowledging varying underlying beliefs when conducting and evaluating creativity studies. Future research is recommended to refine the Q-sort instrument and explore perspectives in different cultural and professional contexts.