WRITTEN ESSAY

[General Instructions: In composing the responses to tasks below (task 1 & task 2), please use full sentences and pay close attention to spelling, grammar, punctuation, and clarity of expression. The content of the Essay and its presentation are both important and will be evaluated as follows: 80% on quality of content; 20% on quality of communication. The extent to which you integrate the components listed below into a cohesive, well-reasoned, and persuasive example of advanced thinking will be a major factor in the evaluation of the work.]

In this assignment, you will explore and synthesize different views of creativity – including your personal view, the views of other people you know, and Kirton’s view. With this in mind, please write an essay that addresses the following:

Part 1: Creativity Interviews

If possible, interview three people (over the age of 18) about their views on creativity using the list of questions below. Note each person’s age (approximate is OK), gender, and occupation or field of study; names are optional. Record their answers to the given questions, encouraging extended discussion about each one (i.e., more than one or two words). Feel free to explore their views through questions of your own as the interviews proceed.

The following questions, which are aligned with the Views on Creativity, should be used as the basis of your exploration:

1. Do you think there are many or few creative people in today’s society?

2. How would you describe creative people? What are they like?

3. How many things that people do might be called creative?

4. How would you describe a creative idea, solution, or product?

5. What are the chances of success for a creative idea?

6. What is the source of creativity: individuals, groups, and/or organizations?

7. Do you believe you are creative? When and how?

Report your findings: Write up and discuss your findings in detail, including …

·  Demographic data (age, gender, occupation/field of study)

·  A summary of each person’s answers to the given questions (and any other questions you add)

·  Your reactions to the interviewees’ responses (e.g., Do you agree with them? Did they surprise you in any way?)

·  Some final commentary on this task: What did you discover overall? How is this information useful?

Part 2: Your View of Creativity - Before and After

Answer the list of questions yourself – first, according to your understanding of creativity, and second, as you understand creativity now through the lens of Adaption-Innovation theory (i.e., what is Kirton’s view of creativity). In your response, be sure to address both similarities and differences between your view of creativity and Kirton’s.

Part 3: Closing Synthesis

To close the assignment, synthesize what you have learned about creativity from this process of exploration. Then comment briefly on why it is important to study creativity and problem solving within a technical degree program.