His work focus into the cognitive, personal, developmental, social, and cultural factors contributing to eminence, giftedness, and talent across various domains such as science, philosophy, literature, music, art, cinema, politics, and war.

[2] Simonton completed his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Occidental College in 1970, graduating magna cum laude and as a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Psi Chi.

[3] Simonton has been recognized with Robert S. Daniel Award for Four Year College/University Teaching from the American Psychological Association (APA).

[9] Simonton's research examines cognitive, personal, developmental, social, and cultural factors that underpin eminence and creativity.

He employs archival data analysis techniques, including cross-cultural, transhistorical, biographical, and content analytical measures.