IMPLICIT AND EXPLICIT CREATIVITY: FURTHER EVIDENCE OF THE INTEGRATIVE MODEL OF CREATIVITY

Abstract

The present study sought to examine the interaction between implicit and explicit trait creativity in the prediction of creative behavior. Based on previous research on the integrative model of creativity, it was hypothesized that self-reported creativity (i.e., explicit creativity) and creativity measured via conditional reasoning (i.e., implicit creativity) would interact in the prediction of creativity scores on a drawing task (i.e., creative behavior; Schoen, Bowler, & Schilpzand, 2018). The interaction between implicit and explicit trait creativity was significant such that individuals who were more likely to rationalize creative behaviors (implicit creativity) demonstrated the most creative behavior when also reporting a higher frequency of past creative behaviors and achievements (explicit creativity). In contrast, individuals who were less likely to rationalize creative behaviors demonstrated the most creative behavior when also reporting a lower frequency of past creative behaviors and accomplishments. Implications for further development of the integrative model via implicit and explicit components of trait creativity are discussed.