Homo creativus: A differential approach

Creativity – the ability to generate productions that are both original and relevant to the context in which they occur – is examined here. A psychological conception of creativity will be presented with an overview of scientific work on creativity, organized according to a conception in 7 “C”s: creators (the characteristics of the creative person), creating (the creative process), creative collaboration, the context conducive to creativity, creations (the nature of creative productions), the adoption or consumption of creative works, and the curricula favoring the development of creativity. Illustrations of research concerning the different “C”s will be described. The multivariate approach to creativity, including the investment theory, measures of creative potential in children and adults, research on the creative process, and the impact of the environment on creative output are highlighted.