Scientific Genius: A Psychology of ScienceCambridge University Press, 1988 M06 24 - 229 pages Dean Keith Simonton developed a theory of scientific genius called chance-configuration theory that accounts for mental processes and behaviors behind the creative act, including intuition, incubation, and serendipity as well as the cognitive and motivational styles of great scientists in terms of a personality typology. Simonton examines the causes and consequences of exceptional productivity: individual differences in lifetime output, the functional relation between age and achievement, the probabilistic connection between quantity and quality, and such issues as the Ortega hypothesis, the Yuasa phenomenon, and Planck's principle. Other factors that he examines are family background, education, role models, marginality, and the zeitgeist. A concluding chapter outlines the broader implications of the theory for the measurement and encouragement of genius in science, and places it in the context of the alternative metasciences - the philosophy, sociology, and psychology of science. Simonton's provocative ideas are a major impetus to true psychology of science and will interest a broad audience. |
Contents
Impressionistic evidence | 24 |
Personality and individual differences | 41 |
Productivity | 60 |
Developmental antecedents | 107 |
Multiple discovery and invention | 135 |
Creative genius in science | 177 |
201 | |
Name index | 221 |
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Common terms and phrases
achievement age curve analytical appear associations become Behavior career chance permutations chance-configuration theory chap chapter Charles Darwin citations cognitive cognitive style Cole communication configurations concepts contributions correlation creative potential creative process creative scientists creators Crutchfield 1970 cultural Darwin developmental discipline discoveries and inventions distribution effect Einstein eminence empirical equation example fact formal education function given Goertzel Helson & Crutchfield Hence historiometric ideas ideation individual instance intellectual interpretation J. C. Adams Lehman Lotka mathematical mathematicians mental elements ments Merton metasciences multiple grades normal nulltons observed original Ortega output peak phenomenon Planck's principle player Poisson Poisson distribution posteriori predicted priori probability problem prolific pseudo-Scrabble psychology of science role scientific creativity scientific genius scientists Scientometrics selection self-organization Simonton 1984d Social Psychology sociocultural sociocultural evolution sociology of science specific stable permutation stochastic success theoretical tion total number traditional trials variation whereas Yuasa zeitgeist