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3 - Observational Methods in the Study of Creativity and Emotions

from Part I - Methods in the Study of Creativity and Emotions

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 February 2023

By
Jen Katz-Buonincontro
Edited by
Zorana Ivcevic ,
Jessica D. Hoffmann  and
James C. Kaufman
Zorana Ivcevic
Affiliation:
Yale University, Connecticut
Jessica D. Hoffmann
Affiliation:
Yale University, Connecticut
James C. Kaufman
Affiliation:
University of Connecticut
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Summary

Emotions and creativity are seemingly ubiquitous in our everyday lives. If so, why aren’t observational methods used to study them more frequently? This chapter first provides a brief history of observation science and differentiates between quantitative and naturalistic observations. Four observation challenges are outlined. Tips for planning, designing and implementing observation studies of creativity and emotions include clarifying definitions creativity and emotion that can be adequately operationalized for the purposes of observation, connecting the theoretical framework to the observation method of choice, developing observation protocols, clarifying the observer role and addressing validity, reliability and principles of generalizability and transferability. Observation protocols are described for studying theatrical performance (quantitative), creative engagement in science-based instruction (mixed methods) and empathy development in leaders’ creative problem solving using improvisational theatre (qualitative). The conclusion discusses the importance of the contribution of observation to the continued growth of the field of creativity studies and emotion research

Keywords

observationresearchemotionscreativitymixed methods
Type
Chapter
Information
The Cambridge Handbook of Creativity and Emotions , pp. 47 - 67
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2023

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