Originality

An idea or product must be original to be considered creative: Reproducing exact copies of paintings, verbatim quotes from poetry, or repeating scientific theories that others have already presented before the world cannot be considered creative. Definitions of originality usually focus on novel or unusual behavior and ideas, something or someone that does not imitate past action or practice. Originality involves escaping the obvious and commonplace, breaking away from habit-bound thinking. Originality—that is, novel or unusual behavior and ideas—is necessary for creativity. By itself, however, originality may characterize the bizarre and the inappropriate; therefore, originality is not sufficient for an idea or product to be deemed creative. Social value, aesthetic appeal, and appropriateness are also necessary.

Most measures of creativity assess originality by using the criterion ...