On the creative process in science and engineering

A formal heuristic investigation was performed to address the question: What is the experience of making a mathematical model of a natural phenomenon? The data analysis has been represented via a structural flow diagram in prior publications, which emphasized both the cognitive and emotional features of the scientifically creative process. In the present work, the author compares and contrasts his model with other models, focusing on parameters such as intrinsic motivation and affect tolerance. Implications and applications emerged in the areas of creativity, validation, education, and motivation. It is concluded that far too little emphasis has been placed on the affective components (feelings, emotions) of the creative process, and it is suggested that it is important to understand, teach, recognize, and tolerate emotions in order to learn to trust natural abilities and intuition.<>