Ronald A. Finke, Thomas B. Ward and Steven M. Smith, creative cognition

Abstract

An approach to the study of creativity, called creative cognition, which is based on the experimental method of cognitive science is presented. In this approach, the specific cognitive processes and structures that contribute to creative arts and products are identified and novel techniques for studying creativity within the context of controlled scientific experiments are developed. This approach is concerned mainly with internal sources of motivation. In this regard, it is believed that the most important motivator for creative thought is the joy of discovery; that people can be inspired by the pleasure of knowing that they are able to discover something new within their own creative thoughts.