Who was awarded the 2016 Nobel Prize in Literature for creating new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition?

Introduction / Context:
This question tests awareness of recent Nobel Prize winners, specifically the 2016 Nobel Prize in Literature. In that year, the Nobel Committee surprised many by honouring a songwriter and musician rather than a conventional novelist or poet. The citation referred to new poetic expressions within the American song tradition.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The year is 2016.
• The award is the Nobel Prize in Literature.
• The citation mentions poetic expressions in the American song tradition.
• The options include laureates from other Nobel categories in the same year.

Concept / Approach:
To answer correctly, one must identify which of the given names is a famous songwriter and lyricist whose work could be described as part of the American song tradition. Bob Dylan is a legendary American singer and songwriter whose lyrics are widely celebrated as poetry. Oliver Hart and J. Michael Kosterlitz are connected with the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences and Physics respectively, while Yoshinori Ohsumi is linked with the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify which option is primarily associated with music and songwriting. Step 2: Recognise that Bob Dylan is famous for influential songs such as Blowin in the Wind and The Times They Are a Changin, which are deeply poetic. Step 3: Recall that in 2016, the Nobel Prize in Literature went to an American musician for the first time, and that musician was Bob Dylan. Step 4: Note that Oliver Hart is an economist, not a literary or musical figure. Step 5: Note that Yoshinori Ohsumi and J. Michael Kosterlitz are scientists and have no link with literature prizes.

Verification / Alternative check:
As an alternative check, you can remember the controversy and debate in media when a songwriter rather than a novelist was chosen for the Nobel Prize in Literature. The central figure in this discussion was Bob Dylan. When you associate his long career as a singer songwriter with the phrase American song tradition used in the question, the answer becomes clear.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Oliver Hart shared the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences in 2016 for work on contract theory, so he is not linked to literature. Yoshinori Ohsumi received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for research on autophagy, which is a biological process. J. Michael Kosterlitz received the Nobel Prize in Physics for work on topological phase transitions and topological phases of matter. None of these scientific laureates have any direct connection to the Nobel Prize in Literature.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners may confuse all Nobel winners of a year and mix categories, especially if they memorise only names without subjects. Another pitfall is assuming that the Nobel Prize in Literature must always go to a traditional novelist or poet. The 2016 award to a songwriter might feel unusual, but it is important to remember this special case.

Final Answer:
The 2016 Nobel Prize in Literature was awarded to Bob Dylan for his contributions to the American song tradition.