Creativity in Indian Science

This paper reports the findings of a preliminary inquiry which is part of a larger project on creativity among Indian scientists from a psychological perspective. The aim of the project is to explore the scientists' cognitive and emotional ap proaches to work, to understand their personality pattern and to examine the psychosocial influences which have shaped them. The preliminary inquiry in cluded a review of literature and an open-ended interview with 20 scientists who were asked about their definition of creativity, their understanding of creative processes and the personality characteristics of creative people. In addition, infor mation pertaining to the impact of Indian culture on creativity and child rearing practices and codes of interpersonal relationship in India was also elicited. Inter view findings were subjected to a qualitative analysis, critically examining the scientists' views against the available literature on Indian character.