What is Carrol’s Three-Stratum Model

Creativity is not a well-defined notion; however, research perspectives converge on certain basic definitions. This chapter analyzes the most widely held definitions of creativity. It also highlights the most-cited theories about creativity that have been developed in a bid to answer different core questions related to the perquisites of what is understood as a creative act. In this regard, the relationship between intelligence and creativity is discussed in the light of the most known theories of intelligence. Subsequently, the essential elements of what an individual needs to be creative are outlined, the notion of ‘genius' is explored, and the opinions on genius of some eminent psychologists, such as Marvin Lee Minsky and Richard Langton Gregory, are presented and commented on. Finally, the issue of creative thinking is tackled, with a focus on what aspects can enhance this ability. The discussion of individual creativity is concluded with an introduction of the social influence it has according to cultural psychology.