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Behavior Analytic Studies of Creativity: A Critical Review

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Abstract

Studies that treat creativity as operant behavior were critically reviewed. Of the twenty studies, most met minimal requirements for methodological adequacy; all provided at least some evidence for increased creative responding. Major difficulties involved potential confounds between instructions and contingencies, lack of an independent record of the training interaction, lack of social validation data, and very limited evidence for generalization. Several issues were discussed: problems in the behavioral definition of creativity, objections to the use of contingent reinforcement, and the need for empirical analysis of the creative process.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada

    Andrew S. Winston

  2. Surrey Place Centre, Toronto, Canada

    Joanne E. Baker

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  1. Andrew S. Winston
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Winston, A.S., Baker, J.E. Behavior Analytic Studies of Creativity: A Critical Review. BEHAV ANALYST 8, 191–205 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03393151

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