Process analytic models of creative capacities

Abstract

Although a number of factors condition the success of creative efforts, most investigators recognize the fundamental importance of novel problem solutions. As a result, a number of systems intending to describe the processes contributing to the generation of innovative problem solutions have been proposed. In the present article, earlier models describing the processes contributing to creative problem solutions are reviewed. The common themes appearing in these models are then considered in relation to the use of extant information structures. Certain implications of cognitive information processing for understanding the nature and ontogeny of the creative act are then discussed, along with their potential contributions to the identification and development of creative potential.

‘‘Close, and ye shall find’’: eye closure during thinking enhances creativity

“…Therefore, the present study indicates that creative thinking is modulated by the amount of cognitive resources that are available when performing a task. Our study provides evidence for the relation between creative thinking and cognitive resources, which is suggested by the hypothetical model (Mumford et al, 1991).…”

“…Hence, creative thinking may be facilitated when enough cognitive resources are available. Thus, a hypothetical model (Mumford et al, 1991) and previous findings (Baird et al, 2012) suggest that creative thinking requires cognitive resources. To further examine this issue, the present study focuses on a simpler method of enhancing creativity-simply closing the eyes.…”

“…In our experiment, participants were asked to generate new ideas by experiencing both close-eyed and open-eyed conditions while thinking. As discussed above, more cognitive recourses are saved during eye closure (Natali et al, 2012;Vredeveldt et al, 2011;Wagstaff et al, 2004); thus, creative thinking would be facilitated more under close-eyed conditions than under open-eyed conditions if thoughts require considerable cognitive resources, as indicated by previous studies (Baird et al, 2012;Mumford et al, 1991).…”

“…Some researchers have suggested a cognitive model of creative thinking by incorporating a relation between cognitive resources and creative thinking (e.g., Mumford et al, 1991). The model proposed by Mumford et al (1991) assumes that cognitive resources should be consciously invested in creative thinking; this involvement is also indicated by a study that addresses the effect of mind wandering (i.e., distraction from the task at hand and thinking about something else) on creative thinking (Baird et al, 2012).…”

“…The model proposed by Mumford et al (1991) assumes that cognitive resources should be consciously invested in creative thinking; this involvement is also indicated by a study that addresses the effect of mind wandering (i.e., distraction from the task at hand and thinking about something else) on creative thinking (Baird et al, 2012). Baird et al (2012) have reported that individuals who experience a high frequency of mind wandering tend to solve problems more creatively than those who experience a low frequency of the experience.…”