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Cognitive stimulation in brainstorming.
K L Dugosh1, P B Paulus, E J Roland
1Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Arlington 76015, USA. leggett@uta.edu
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
|November 18, 2000
Summary
Group brainstorming is less effective than individual brainstorming. However, exposing participants to ideas during brainstorming enhances idea generation, supporting cognitive stimulation theories.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Creativity Research
- Organizational Behavior
Background:
- Group brainstorming is paradoxically less productive than individual brainstorming for idea quantity.
- Scholarly assumptions suggest group dynamics should boost cognitive stimulation and idea output.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cognitive stimulation potential within brainstorming settings.
- To determine if controlled idea exposure can enhance idea generation.
Main Methods:
- Three experiments were conducted to test cognitive stimulation effects.
- Experiments 1 & 2 involved participants brainstorming while listening to audiotaped ideas.
- Experiment 3 utilized an electronic brainstorming paradigm with idea exposure.
Main Results:
- Idea generation was significantly enhanced during and after exposure to external ideas.
- The effectiveness of exposure was moderated by participant attentional set.
- The quantity and relevance of exposed ideas also influenced the enhancement effect.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive stimulation, facilitated by idea exposure, can improve brainstorming productivity.
- Findings support a cognitive perspective explaining group brainstorming effectiveness.
- Controlled exposure to ideas offers a method to overcome limitations in group idea generation.