Implicit theories of creativity: laypersons' perceptions of the creativity of adaptors and innovators

Kirton has put forward a theory of creativity style in which he maintains that people with more adaptive or more innovative orientations possess equal creative potential. The purpose of this study was to compare Kirton's explicit theory with laypersons' implicit theories of creativity. Laypersons and students were asked to read descriptions of adaptors and innovators and then, using their own personal conceptions of creativity, rate adaptors and innovators on creativity. Analysis showed that the innovative style was perceived as significantly more creative. Furthermore, individuals who possessed a more innovative style were much more likely to rate the innovative orientation as more highly creative. Potential reasons for the implicit view that innovators are more creative are offered. In particular, cultural biases towards the innovative style are discussed.