How the brain generates creative ideas

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

To be creative, it is not enough to give free rein and brainstorm. Scientists studied in detail the process of creating original ideas, after which they came to the conclusion: creativity is not only a complex, but also a very versatile process.

The creation of an original creative idea requires the simultaneous work of two completely different areas of the brain. To be creative, you need to use associative, spontaneous thinking along with conservative analysis. This is what researchers from the University of Haifa believe.

Scientists are convinced that the creative process requires control and balance. Creativity is the brain's ability to find new and original ways to solve a problem.

However, not every creative idea can be considered creative. If it has no application, then such an idea should be considered meaningless and unreasonable and almost immediately put aside.

Therefore, creativity consists of two stages: first you create an idea, and then you test it for consistency.

In order to think creatively, we need to activate a number of conflicting brain processes. Scientists conducted an experiment, in the first part of which they asked volunteers to find unusual uses for everyday objects. Answers that were repeated less often than others received high marks, and those offered by the majority of participants earned few points. The second part of the experiment consisted in the fact that the respondents gave the description of the objects in such a way that it was the most accurate and detailed. During the experiment, the subjects' brains were examined using functional MRI.

The result showed: during the study, the work of the associative areas of the cerebral cortex was most active in those participants who came up with original and extraordinary ideas. This applies to the anterior medial regions, which usually work in the background, when a person spends time in dreams and fantasies, not concentrating on something specific.

But scientists have also determined that creative ideas, original and practical, cannot be created through associative zones alone. This area does not work alone and needs help to find the answer. In order for you to think creatively, the brain must also connect another mechanism - the "administrative area", which is responsible for the perception of social norms and rules. The more these two zones interact, the more original the answer will be.

The researchers concluded that it is certainly important for creative thinking that your associative zones are active. But just as necessary is the process of control: your brain is obliged to evaluate creative ideas in terms of their applicability and adequacy.

It is possible that the great masterpieces of human thought were created by those geniuses in whom the connection between both parts of the brain was especially strong.

Those who dream of being creative should pay attention to the harmonious development of both abilities. It is necessary to devote time not only to creativity, but also to training the analytical abilities of the brain.