Problem Finding and Contradiction: Examining the Relationship between Naive Dialectical Thinking, Ethnicity, and Creativity

This research examined the association between naive dialectical thinking and creativity, measured as originality in problem construction and reframing (types of problem finding). Ethnic identity (Caucasian vs. Asian=Asian American) was examined as a moderator. Two correlational studies and one experimental study revealed a complex pattern of results: For problems with low inherent contradiction, naive dialectical thinking decreased originality on problem finding tasks, whereas for tasks with higher contradiction, there was no or even a slight positive effect. Furthermore, these relationships were found for Caucasian participants but not for Asian or Asian American participants. This research built upon the long-standing notion that dialectical thinking is positively associated with creativity, but suggests the relationship might be culture-, task-, and process-specific. The nature of dialectical thinking as involving the acceptance of contradiction or necessitating the resolution of tension should be explored.