Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026
10:26
Problem-Solving Before Instruction (PS-I): A Protocol for Assessment and Intervention in Students with Different Abilities
Published on: September 11, 2021
Toward a more complete understanding of the link between multicultural experience and creativity
William W Maddux1, Angela Ka-Yee Leung, Chi-Yue Chiu
1INSEAD.
The American Psychologist
|February 11, 2009
Summary
Multicultural experiences can enhance creativity, from everyday innovation ("little c") to significant breakthroughs ("Big C"). Further research is needed to fully understand this relationship.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Creativity Studies
- Sociology
Background:
- Previous research suggested multicultural experiences can facilitate creativity.
- G. J. Rich commented that the scope of the original review was limited, focusing on "little c" creativity and "Big M" multicultural experiences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address comments regarding the scope of multicultural experiences and their impact on creativity.
- To explore the relationship between diverse forms of multicultural engagement and both incremental and groundbreaking creativity.
Main Methods:
- This study is a response to scholarly commentary, involving a critical review and discussion of existing research.
- It synthesizes arguments and evidence presented in the original article and Rich's response.
Main Results:
- The authors acknowledge the validity of Rich's points regarding the scope of the original review.
- The discussion highlights the significant interest in how multicultural experiences influence creativity, particularly "Big C" creativity.
Conclusions:
- The connection between multicultural experience and creativity is a rich area for future research.
- Further investigation is warranted to uncover novel insights into how diverse cultural engagement fosters both minor and major creative achievements.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:23The Role of Culture
Culture plays a crucial role in shaping self-identity and influencing thought and behavior, a foundational interest within social psychology. The multicultural perspective recognizes that individuals do not exist in a vacuum; instead, their experiences, perceptions, and actions are deeply influenced by the intersecting dimensions of their cultural, ethnic, and social group affiliations.Cultural Influence on Self-Identity and Social PerceptionCultural frameworks inform how individuals define...
01:27Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture
Adolescents from ethnic minority backgrounds face a multifaceted journey in forming their identities, shaped by the intersections of cultural expectations and personal exploration. For these adolescents, identity formation involves not only typical developmental challenges but also navigating the perceptions and attitudes of the majority culture. As they grow, adolescents in ethnic minority groups often become increasingly aware of stereotypes, social biases, and discrimination, all of which...
01:25Creative Thinking
Creative thinking encompasses innovative and unconventional methods for addressing challenges, often leading to groundbreaking solutions. Instead of focusing solely on enhancing existing systems, such as increasing smartphone battery capacity, creative thinking might inspire advancements like energy-efficient batteries or processors that minimize power consumption. This multidimensional approach underscores the importance of exploring novel pathways to innovation.
Divergent thinking is the...
Divergent thinking is the...
01:21Cognitive Learning
Cognitive learning is based on purposive behavior, incidental learning, and insight learning.
E. C. Tolman's theory of purposive behavior emphasizes that much behavior is goal-directed. He argued that to understand behavior, we must look at the entire sequence of actions leading to a goal. For instance, high school students study hard, not just due to past reinforcement but also to achieve the goal of getting into a good college.
Tolman introduced the idea that behavior is influenced by...
E. C. Tolman's theory of purposive behavior emphasizes that much behavior is goal-directed. He argued that to understand behavior, we must look at the entire sequence of actions leading to a goal. For instance, high school students study hard, not just due to past reinforcement but also to achieve the goal of getting into a good college.
Tolman introduced the idea that behavior is influenced by...
01:30Self Within Cultural Contexts
Cultural frameworks for understanding the self are often categorized into two broad orientations: individualism and collectivism. These paradigms influence how people define themselves, relate to others, and interpret their social worlds. Each orientation offers distinct perspectives on autonomy, responsibility, and the role of the individual within a community.Individualistic CulturesIn individualistic cultures like North America and Western Europe, identity is understood as autonomous and...
01:26Cultural Influences on Personality
Individualist and collectivist cultures emphasize different core values, shaping personality in distinct ways. In individualist cultures, such as those in the United States, England, and Australia, people prioritize independence, competition, and personal achievement. These societies tend to promote self-focused traits, with individuals often reporting higher levels of self-esteem. In contrast, collectivist cultures, commonly found in regions like Asia, Africa, and South America, emphasize...