PI: Prof. Allan Reiss
Abstract
Although there's been a crop of recent studies focused on where creativity originates in the brain and its structural interfaces during idea generation, none have focused on how to assess and measure a person's capacity to become more creative over time and determining how to maintain it. This study will use functional MRI (fMRI) to measure brain activity before/after creativity training, its correlation to qualitative self-assessment, and the impact of creativity retention over time. Key questions include:
- Can creativity be acquired/ learned by an individual over time - What are the brain changes that predict or correlate with acquisition of creativity?
- After acquisition/improvement, does maintenance of creativity require continuous conditioning (like sit-ups for your body) to retain - Is there a distinct pattern of brain activity that predicts long-term maintenance of creativity?
- Does self-perception and confidence affect a person's capacity - How do brain activity patterns correlate with qualitative assessments/performance?
- Is creative capacity affected by team or individual practice?
Our study on creative capacity and design thinking skills training effects over time can impact how organizations across all industries can shape their process and ability to innovate.
