Case Studies of Deviant Creative Individuals and Their Major Life Achievements
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Case studies of deviant creative individuals and their major life achievements. Used with permission of Allison M. (Rusin) O’Dell. Copyright 2002, Allison M. (Rusin) O’Dell. Case Studies of Deviant Creative Individuals and Their Major Life Achievements A Project in Creative Studies by Allison M. Rusin Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science May, 2002 State University of New York College at Buffalo International Center for Studies in Creativity ii ABSTRACT� This project examined three deviant creative individuals, their major life achievements, and how they utilized the CPS process. Case studies were prepared based on the lives of Adolf Hiltler, Al Capone, and Nathan Leopold, Jr. Three questions which guided this study were: (1) Are there significant similarities and differences in terms of biographical and autobiographical data among the three cases? (2) Can elements of CPS be identified in deviant cases? and (3) What type of relationship, if any, will there be between CPS process and these deviant individuals’ achievements? Criteria were developed for the selection of the three historical cases. Data was obtained through autobiographical information, where available, in addition to biographical information. Criteria were developed a second time to select one major life achievement from each of the cases. Evidence for each stage of the CPS process was assessed using Creative Approaches to Problem Solving (Isaksen, Dorval, Treffinger, 1994). Evidence of Mess-Finding, Data-Finding, Problem-Finding, Idea-Finding, Solution-Finding, and Acceptance-Finding were analyzed using a Likert scale. Results show numerous similarities among autobiographical and biographical data, as well as identification of specific elements of CPS within deviant life achievements. The general results showed no evidence of Mess-Finding and higher incidences of both Idea-Finding and Acceptance-Finding in all three cases. iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS� This project comes at a timely point in the history of the human race. Six months into my research the events of September 11, 2002 changed our world forever. I hope this project helps make sense of what seems so senseless and evil, what goes against beauty and humanity. May we always remember that day and all those who lost their lives but look to the future as a time to continue our search for beauty and humanity. Some individuals deserve special recognition for their contributions to my project: Dr. Mary C. Murdock – Thank you for so many things you taught me throughout graduate school. I learned from you the basic theories and content of what true creativity is about but you also showed me how it can truly manifest in our daily lives. I also enjoyed your unique teaching style and appreciate the confidence you showed in me by allowing me to choose a project topic off the beaten path. Thank you for all your and patience and feedback. I am a richer person for having known you. My co-workers and friends – Dave and Ron – Thank you for spending countless lunch hours with me guiding me through the confusing maze of Excel and data display. Your help, interest, and time were truly appreciated. I owe you both a gourmet lunch. My husband - Stan – for keeping the house from falling down around us while I worked on my project and for trying to be supportive and understanding. My father - Robert - for his interest and expertise in history and his feedback on my case selections and my mother – Susanne – for her typing skills. iv DEDICATION� This work is dedicated to my newborn son - Robert - with the hope that he may grow up and thrive in a world where he can enjoy freedom, and experience an education that is rich in generosity and humanity. My wish for him is that he will one day use his gifts, talents, and creativity to help enhance the beauty and humanity of our future world. v TABLE OF CONTENTS� ABSTRACT ................................................................................................................... ii� ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ........................................................................................... iii� DEDICATION............................................................................................................... iv� LIST OF FIGURES ..................................................................................................... viii� LIST OF TABLES......................................................................................................... ix� CHAPTER I: BACKGROUND AND HISTORY OF THE PROBLEM .......................... 1� Questions That Guided the Study ........................................................................ 2� Statement of Significance .................................................................................... 2� Project Outcomes ................................................................................................ 3� CHAPTER II: REVIEW OF LITERATURE................................................................... 4� Annotations for Adolf Hitler................................................................................ 4� Annotations for Al Capone .................................................................................. 6� Annotations for Nathan Leopold, Jr ..................................................................... 7� Social Learning Aspects ...................................................................................... 8� Qualitative Research Resources........................................................................... 9� Creativity Resources............................................................................................ 9� CHAPTER III: THE RESEARCH METHOD ............................................................... 12� Case Selection ................................................................................................... 13� Criteria .................................................................................................. 13� Organizing Data ................................................................................................ 16� vi CHAPTER IV: REPORT OF FINDINGS FROM AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL AND� BIOGRAPHICAL DATA ............................................................................................. 19� Emergent Similarities ........................................................................................ 27� Devotion to Mother................................................................................ 27� Criminal History .................................................................................... 29� Personality Traits ................................................................................... 29� Evidence of Mental Illness..................................................................... 31� Sexual Perversion and Promiscuity ........................................................ 33� Grandiosity and Egocentrism ................................................................. 33� Emergent Differences ........................................................................................ 36� CHAPTER V: REPORT OF FINDINGS FROM EVIDENCE OF OCCURRENCES� OF CPS PROCESS IN PLANNED AND IMPLEMENTED ATROCITIES� .............................................................................................................. 39� No Evidence of Mess Finding............................................................................ 44� CHAPTER VI: IMPLICATIONS AND FUTURE RECOMMENDATIONS ................ 49� Similarities and Their Implications .................................................................... 49� Evidence of Occurrences of CPS Process and Their Implications ...................... 51� A Final Recommendation.................................................................................. 54� REFERENCES ............................................................................................................. 55� APPENDIX 1: TIMELINES OF ATROCITIES............................................................ 56� Timeline of Hitler’s Final Solution .................................................................... 57� Timeline of St. Valentine’s Day Massacre ......................................................... 77� Timeline of the Kidnapping and Murder of Bobbie Franks ................................ 81� vii APPENDIX 2: SUPPLEMENTARY RESOURCES .................................................... .90 Resources on Adolf Hitler ................................................................................. 91� Resources on Al Capone...................................................................................106� Resources on Nathan Leopold, Jr......................................................................110� APPENDIX 3: CONCEPT PAPER ..............................................................................111� viii LIST OF FIGURES Figure 2.1: Raw Data from Timeline of Hitler’s Final Solution Planning and Implementation ..................................................................... 58� Figure 2.2: Raw Data from Timeline of St. Valentine’s Day Massacre� Planning and Implementation ..................................................................... 78� Figure 2.3: Raw Data from Kidnapping and Murder of Bobbie Franks� Planning and Implementation ..................................................................... 82� Figure 3.1: Data Display of Evidence of Occurrences of CPS Process� In All Three Planned and Implemented Atrocities