Thrash et al. (2014)

Question 1

Paper’s aim

Answer 1

Presents a general definition of inspiration based on a literature review and online approaches to differentiating the general inspiration construct into specific types. It also reviews the literature on construct validity and emphasises the role of inspiration in promoting attainment of elusive goods

Question 2

Inspiration

Answer 2

Involves both passivity and activity

Question 3

Elusive goods

Answer 3

E.g. creativity, productivity, and happiness

Question 4

Inspiration (tripartite conceptualisation)

Answer 4

Three core characteristics are necessary and collectively sufficient to define the inspiration construct and distinguish the state of inspiration from other states. Transcendence, evocation/receptivity, and approach motivation

Question 5

Inspiration (component process conceptualisation)

Answer 5

Specifies the distinct processes that compose an episode of inspiration. Being inspired by and inspired to. Intrinsically valued qualities of an elicitor object evoke inspiration, which motivates the individual to extend the intrinsically valued qualities to a new object

Question 6

Inspiration (transmission model)

Answer 6

Specifies the theoretical function of inspiration. Has deep cultural, evolutionary, and personal significance

Question 7

Conceptualisation

Answer 7

Refers to using a general conceptualisation to derive context specific definitions within particular literatures or content domains. Most useful to researchers focused on a particular content area

Question 8

Classification

Answer 8

Classification scheme is intrinsically grounded in the transmission model. Authors argue that the transmission function is common to all instances of inspiration but may take three forms; extension, actualisation, and expression

Question 9

Extension

Answer 9

One is inspired by the qualities exemplified in a pre-existing object in the external environment, and one seeks to reproduce these qualities in a new object

Question 10

Actualisation

Answer 10

One is inspired by the qualities of a seminal idea that enters awareness during a moment of insight, and one seeks to bring the seminal idea into fruition

Question 11

Expression

Answer 11

One is inspired by well-formed ideas and expresses them spontaneously in one’s words or actions

Question 12

Openness-related traits

Answer 12

Function as antecedents of the tendency to become inspired in daily life

Question 13

Approach-related traits

Answer 13

Amplify the strength of inspiration and approach motivation once an individual is inspired. Thus, inspiration requires both an openness to potentially inspiring influences and the capacity for becoming motivated in response to them

Question 14

Creative insights

Answer 14

Theorised to inspire, because they satisfy the criteria of transcendence, evocation, and approach motivation

Question 15

Trait inspiration

Answer 15

Positively relates to creative self-concept. Also predicts mean levels of self-reported creativity in daily life. Individuals are more creative on days when they are more inspired

Question 16

Creative ideation

Answer 16

Precedes inspiration

Question 17

Frankl

Answer 17

Happiness is not easily achieved when pursued directly. You need a reason to be happy, from which happiness naturally ensues. May be found through “actualising the potential meaning inherent an dormant in a given situation.” Resembles transmission function
If correct, happiness may ensue as a by-product of inspiration

Question 18

Emotion

Answer 18

Refers to an acute, object-focused, affective response to an eliciting situation that prepares the individual to think and act in ways that have been evolutionarily adaptive in such situations

Question 19

Inspiration

Answer 19

Involves emotion but is not itself an emotion, in part because it is more complex than constructs that are widely accepted as emotions

Question 20

Two focal objects of inspiration

Answer 20

An elicitor object associated with the process of being inspired by, and a motivational object associated with the process of being inspired to. These by and to processes may differ in emotional composition

Question 21

“Positive”

Answer 21

Can mean a variety of things. Inspiration is always “positive” in one sense; it involves approach rather than avoidance motivation

Question 22

“Negative”

Answer 22

Inspiration can be negative in four respects; (1) May arise from grief or suffering, (2) The content of the intrinsic value that the inspired individual seeks to transmit may involve a negative affective tone, (3) The process of being inspired may be tinged with anger, and (4) Inspired actions are not necessarily appraised positively by external observers because individuals differ in their perception of intrinsic value and morality

Question 23

Authentic inspiration experiences

Answer 23

Usually are not the result of a deliberate effort of one party. Inspiration refers to “breathing in”, not to being “blown into”