Creativity across cultures: Conceptions and values.

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

This dissertation examines two fundamental issues of creativity through the lens of cross-cultural psychology. First, it assesses whether novelty and appropriateness are equally important dimensions of creativity for East Asians and Americans. Second, it examines whether East Asians or Americans are more likely to conceive of creativity as expressed internally (e.g., through reflection) or externally (e.g., through accomplishments, interaction, and products). Implicit theories of creativity, or the conceptions of creativity by laypeople, were tested in Japan, China, and the United States.
A preliminary qualitative study elicited what activities were considered prototypically creative from a small sample of Japanese and Americans. A second study with over 450 participants from Japan, China, and two U.S. locations used a variety of questionnaire methods (scenario, survey, forced choice) to determine cultural differences and similarities in novelty/appropriateness and external/internal expression of creativity. Measures of cultural values were also collected.
The results revealed both similarities and differences in conceptions of creativity. Novelty and appropriateness were both vital for assessments of creativity. Counter to conventional wisdom and previous literature, appropriateness was relatively more important for Americans and Japanese, and novelty more important for Chinese. When tested using an explicit attitude scale, however, novelty was most important for Americans. The inconsistent findings may be due to the limits of self-knowledge. Appropriateness was associated with valuing conformity.
Although certain activities were rated by the whole sample as highly creative, East Asian participants were more likely to find external activities (e.g., sports) creative, whereas Americans (Caucasians in particular) were more likely to consider internal activities (e.g., thinking) creative. This was replicated using an explicit attitude scale. These results refute existing theories. Finally, individuals (particularly Americans) considered their own fields to be more creative than individuals not in those fields.
The findings suggest both universalities and cultural differences in implicit theories of creativity. Possible alternative explanations and future studies are suggested. This research has implications for cross-cultural creativity testing, cross-national marketing and product development, and the impact of socioeconomic changes on culture. This groundbreaking set of studies challenges many assumptions about culturally based attitudes toward creativity.