Problems with Creativity - Level and Style

1. How are creativity, problem solving, and decision making linked?

2. “Creativity” and “innovation” are often used synonymously by researchers in the fields of creativity and business (and in the popular press as well). According to A-I theory, these terms are distinct and should be clearly separated. Explain why.

3. Why is it important to make a clear distinction between level and style? What does it mean to say that these two variables are independent – in a theoretical sense and in practice?

4. Numerous studies have been performed to determine whether there is a correlation between A-I cognitive style (as measured through the KAI inventory) and various forms of level (both manifest and potential). Does the scientific evidence presented support or refute the assumption that cognitive style and cognitive level are independent? Explain your answer.

5. If a supervisor asks two teams of employees to generate ideas for a project, how would you expect the idea generation (in terms of both content and process) of a team of more innovative people to differ from that of a team composed of more adaptive individuals? Explain your reasoning.

a. What impact will level have on the results in each case?

b. How does the fact that style is a continuum (not a dichotomy) impact our expectations for the idea generation of different individuals/teams?

6. The creativity literature places a great deal of emphasis on the view that a greater breadth of vision equates to a greater level of creativity. Can high-capacity adaptors hold greater breadth of vision than innovators? Explain your reasoning.