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Abstract

Identifying creative individuals through their mental imagery ability

The identification of creative individuals, above all among consumers, who are increasingly often asked by companies to be part of their innovation processes, is challenging. However, mental imagery seems to be strongly linked to creativity. A first study shows that creative individuals (artists and inventors) are stronger image makers than ‘ordinary’ individuals (without particular creative skills). A second study highlights that students who are stronger image makers perform better in creative tasks than do weaker image makers. Thus, mental imagery ability appears to be a simple and easy way to identify creative individuals and as an opportunity to enhance creativity.