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Unity and diversity of executive functions in creativity
Darya L Zabelina1, Naomi P Friedman2, Jessica Andrews-Hanna3
1University of Arkansas, United States.
Consciousness and Cognition
|January 12, 2019
Summary
Different executive functions (EFs) uniquely predict specific aspects of creativity, such as divergent thinking and real-world achievements. Understanding these distinct EF-creativity links is crucial for cognitive research.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Creativity Research
Background:
- Executive functions (EFs) are critical cognitive processes for goal-directed behavior.
- While EFs are linked to creativity, specific EF contributions remain unclear.
- EF is not a unitary construct, necessitating investigation into distinct EF components.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the unique and shared associations between specific executive functions and various creativity measures.
- To determine which executive functions predict divergent thinking, real-world creative accomplishments, and professional creative domains.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a divergent thinking test to assess creative ideation.
- Employed self-report measures for real-world creative achievements.
- Examined associations between working memory updating, response inhibition, mental set shifting, and creativity metrics in 47 participants.
Main Results:
- Working memory updating uniquely predicted divergent thinking fluency.
- Response inhibition was associated with higher artistic creative achievements.
- Artistic professionals exhibited better common EF and mental set shifting compared to IT professionals.
Conclusions:
- Specific executive functions differentially predict distinct facets of creativity.
- Working memory updating and response inhibition are key EFs for divergent thinking and artistic achievement, respectively.
- Common EF and mental set shifting are linked to creative professional domains.
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