June 20th, 2007 by Frank LaBanca, Ed.D.
Every person that I have had the fortune of interviewing reports that science and creativity are related. I’m glad to see that the authentic research process is promoting this idea. The question then becomes, “What is the essence of the creativity in science?”
I think we have a theme emerging . . .
Questioning and posing new problems seems to be the essence for the creative behaviors of the scientist. Coming up with the new idea – the problem finding. Knowing that there is something new, innovative, and novel to discover, create, or build.
Is this too simple? I think it is important to note that the subjects are not suggesting the problem solving as the creative aspect. We’re back to the Einstein quote holding so true . . . .
The formulation of a problem is often more important that its solution, which may be merely a matter of mathematical or experimental skill. To raise new questions, new possibilities, to regard old problems from a new angle, requires imagination and marks real advance in science.
