Creativity Decline Since 1990: Kyung Hee Kim's Research
Kyung Hee Kim, a professor at William & Mary University, analyzed nearly 300,000 Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking completed by Americans between 1968 and 2008. Her 2011 paper 'The Creativity Crisis' found that both creativity (CQ) and intelligence (IQ) scores rose before 1990, then declined significantly for children and adults. Kim attributed the drop to reduced free play, increased screen time, and standardized testing pressure. Experts debate whether creativity is truly declining or just expressed differently, but agree it requires nurturing, especially with AI and digital technology. Kim's 2016 book 'Creativity Challenge: How We Can Recapture American Innovation' offers practical steps. Suggested remedies include nature time, journaling, daydreaming, art classes, museum visits, reading, and playing instruments.
Key facts
- Kyung Hee Kim is a professor at William & Mary University.
- Kim analyzed nearly 300,000 Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking.
- The tests were completed by Americans aged all ages from 1968 to 2008.
- Both CQ and IQ scores rose before 1990 and declined after.
- Kim published 'The Creativity Crisis' in 2011.
- Kim published 'Creativity Challenge: How We Can Recapture American Innovation' in 2016.
- Factors cited: less free play, more screen time, standardized testing.
- Experts debate whether creativity is declining or changing form.
Entities
Artists
- Kyung Hee Kim
Institutions
- William & Mary University
Locations
- United States