Does Cognitive Load Affect Creativity? An Experiment Using a Divergent Thinking Task

27 Pages Posted: 16 Mar 2022

See all articles by Cortney Stephen Rodet

Cortney Stephen Rodet

Ohio University - Department of Economics

Date Written: February 2, 2022

Abstract

A major challenge for organizations in the modern economy is under- standing how to stimulate creativity among their work force, and emerging research continues to emphasize that creativity is subject to myriad factors related to work structure and work environment. The results from a laboratory experiment using a divergent thinking task show that cognitive load induced by a number memorization task significantly re- duces the quantity and variety of creative ideas. Results highlight the importance of work-related stressors and the division of labor when it comes to cultivating creativity.

Keywords: creativity, cognitive load, experiments, work

JEL Classification: C91, D91, M12, M20, M54

Suggested Citation

Rodet, Cortney Stephen, Does Cognitive Load Affect Creativity? An Experiment Using a Divergent Thinking Task (February 2, 2022). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4002699 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4002699

Cortney Stephen Rodet (Contact Author)

Ohio University - Department of Economics ( email )

Athens, OH 45701-2979
United States

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