Neurocognitive Science of Creativity

Cutting-edge neurocognitive science comes out with a framework for creative cognition.

Is there a structural difference, in the brain, between someone with high-creative ability and someone with low-creative ability?

The science says, yes, yes there is.

But it’s not the unsubstantiated myth of left brain this right brain that, no, it is actually a very interesting interplay between three neural networks; the default mode network, the executive control network and the salience network.

I get it, a bunch of words you never heard before is hardly helpful, so let me get some definitions out of the way so we can get to the unexpected results.

The default mode network is responsible for bringing an array of data, in the form of memory, predictions, imagery, ideas to the forefront of the mind.

The executive control network is in charge of honing attention and directing the content of thought.

The salience network detects and filters the information of most importance.

Okay, now that we have that understanding, let’s take a deep dive into the research that has been conducted.

Instead of theorising and umming and ahhing, let’s see what is actually going on in the brain, at a physical level. Using functional resonance imaging data from over 100 participants in the study gave a remarkable result. (For those unaware, an fMRI basically shows regions and networks within the brain lighting up in real-time as the neurons fire across the synapses.)

Here's what was found, using a predictive model to identify the association with high-creative ability:

The brain of high-creative ability was able to use the three networks, mentioned above, with simultaneity. That is to say, creativity resides in a whole-brain network comprised of cortical hubs within the default, executive and salient networks. Highly creative brains are able to engage these, otherwise oppositional networks, synergistically.

This same pattern of network symbiosis has been shown in many other studies.

So, what is the take away from these studies?

The major take away is that creativity is measurable and observable, grounding the concept in reality and out of any airy or ethereal perception you may of had.

And although I wouldn't recommend going to get an fMRI on your brain to check your creativity, it would be prudent to check out an example of a standardised test for measuring creativity. If only to gain an insight into this scientific method. Knowing where you're at is a great way to start moving toward where you want to be, but a question remains...

Is there a way to re-condition the brain to work in said symbiosis?

The answer, YES!

AND the “how” of the matter is exactly what will be explored, in detail, in this blog series. I will uncover the secrets to access near limitless creativity and how to integrate that into an expansive business. Be sure not to miss out – click “follow” now to stay in the loop.