This Handbook brings together an international cast of experts to explore the social nature and
context of creativity studies focusing on methodology as a key component in advancing the
social study of creativity. Two decades on from the pioneering work of Alfonso Montuori and
Ronald E. Purser the authors present a timely appraisal of past and present work in social
creativity studies and look ahead to future developments within this field. The authors
collectively offer a rigorous examination of the methodological and empirical issues and
techniques involved in studying social creativity. They examine the phenomenon as a form of
communication and interaction within collaborative relationships contending that creativity
happens not within a vacuum but instead from a nexus of personal social and contextual
influences.This comprehensive work is organized in three parts focusing first on the various
methodological approaches applicable to the social in creativity studies. It secondly turns to
empirical findings and approaches relating to the social nature of creativity. In the book's
final part the authors offer reflections on the state of social research into creativity
pinpointing areas requiring further methodological scrutiny and empirical verification and
areas that may inspire further theoretical or applied work. Combining classic ideas with
cutting-edge emerging methods this work provides a vital methodological 'toolbox' for
investigators within social creativity.
