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Overcoming cognitive fixation through unconscious processing to enhance creativity
Chengzhen Liu1, Geng Li2, Zhihao Zhou3
1Southwest University, China.
Abstract:
Unconscious processing plays a crucial role in creativity, yet the neural mechanisms by which it facilitates creativity remain unclear. This study explores how unconscious processing enhances creativity by overcoming cognitive fixation, using functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS). Fifty-four participants underwent a cognitive constraint manipulation, being randomly assigned to either a typical example (TE) or novel example (NE) conscious priming condition. Each group completed the Alternative Uses Task (AUT) under both unconscious semantic priming and no-priming conditions. Behaviorally, unconscious semantic priming significantly improved AUT performance, enhancing both uniqueness and semantic distance. Neurally, unconscious processing increased oxyhemoglobin concentration in prefrontal channels (p < 0.05) and enhanced functional connectivity between the salience network and basal areas (t = 2.33, p = 0.024), while reducing fixation-related activation in temporal regions, particularly within the TE group. These findings demonstrate that unconscious semantic priming facilitates creative ideation through dual inhibitory-disinhibitory mechanisms, advancing neurocognitive models of creativity and highlighting potential for innovation-enhancing interventions in constrained contexts.
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