This work is marked by an underlying concern with individuals being productive in their creativity, in understanding, observing and measuring the abilities linked to creative performance, and to productive forms of creativity (e.g. invention and technological innovation, solutions to social problems).

The study of the creative mind and ways of measuring and increasing creativity emerged as the right mixture of nature and science by the times of post-World War II. The child became a focus for psychological investment in creativity. What was in question, particularly in the United States, was promoting the open-minded citizen in opposition to the authoritarian one. At the same time, creativity became a commodity presented to educators and parents as absolutely necessary.