ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that, in different ways, each of the approaches can be useful for solving the criterion problem in creativity research. It demonstrates that, in fact, the widespread consensus does hold for the recognition of creativity. The chapter reviews previous attempts to define and assess creativity, arguing that most researchers have been too quick in their efforts to objectify the criteria of creativity. It presents an operational definition of creativity based on subjective judgment and a companion conceptual definition that serves as the foundation for the theoretical notions. Most empirical work on creativity has employed one of three assessment techniques. Creativity tests, the most popular method of assessment in empirical studies, can be grouped into three broad categories: personality tests, biographical inventories, and behavioral assessments. Although there is evidence that creativity tests do assess relatively stable attributes and abilities, it is interesting to note that various social and environmental factors can influence test outcomes.
