Creative output and creative process are distinct and should be studied separately

Evidence

It may be easier to understand how this comes about if creative output is separated from creative processes. Whereas creative output is typically defined as something novel and useful (e.g., Amabile, 1996), the act or process of producing something creative involves a number of different factors and mechanisms, any one or any combination of which can potentially lead to a creative outcome and many of which are likely to occur during transformational cross-cultural experiences. — Roderick M. Kramer, Geoffrey J. Leonardelli, Robert W. Livingston, Social Cognition, Social Identity, and…, 2259

Categorization

• DEFINE: Clarifies the output/process distinction in creativity research, useful for evaluating any creativity claim.