Disentangling Quantity and Quality in the Assessment of Creative Productions

Forthmann, B.

Abstract

Is quantity a confounding variable of quality? Does quantity breed quality? Could there be a potential trade-off between quantity and quality? Answers on these questions are theoretically and practically relevant for various areas of creativity research such as divergent thinking, brain- storming, or scientific productivity. In this paper, I will discuss and empirically illustrate recent research that indicates the importance of a comprehensive understanding of the technical details when evaluating and interpreting the relationship between quantity and quality in creativity assessment. Objective and precise analysis is crucial in this area. This will allow for objective answers to related questions while differentiating between quantity and quality.