Left-handers often claim a creative edge over right-handers because of the right hemisphere control of their dominant left hands. After all, they argue, the right hemisphere is the predominant brain site for creative thinking. Researchers frequently dispute this view by stating that creative endeavors are a product of the whole brain and not just one hemisphere.

A recent review of the latest neuroscience findings confirms the whole brain approach to understanding creativity. ¹ Researchers usually define creative thinking as ideas that are not only original but also effective or useful. There is currently dispute about this definition because output considered to be high in creativity, such as a poem, may not be particularly effective in a utilitarian sense. Because creative behaviors cover a wide range of activities, scientists have turned to a study of brain activity as a way of distinguishing creative thinking from other cognitive efforts.

Current neuroscience sees the brain as a group of networks. Neural imaging techniques reveal that creative thinking involves coordination between the problem-solving and planning areas of the brain, the frontal lobes behind the forehead, and other areas of the brain most active during daydreaming and mind-wandering. This approach does not associate creativity with a single brain region, like the right hemisphere. Rather creativity is seen as “…not one system but many different mechanisms that…work together in a seamless way.”

Recent research also indicates that the brain pathway chosen while engaged in creative thinking may depend on an individual’s expertise. In one study, researchers attached electrodes to the heads of jazz musicians to study brain activity while they improvised on the piano. Skilled jazz instructors then rated the creativity of these improvisations. Highly experienced musicians used areas of the brain at the back of the head to generate their most creative improvisations. Musicians with less experience relied on analytical processing brain areas in the frontal lobes to produce creative melodies.

Scientists are also moving away from the idea that creativity is a trait that some people have (left-handers) while others do not (right-handers). Instead, they argue creativity is a human capacity that can be expanded. Here are some hints for increasing one’s creativity:

• Put in the work: Creative output is not a bolt from the blue. In any area of endeavor, creative products are based on mastery of the area in which one is working.
• Let the mind wander: There was an historical approach to cognition that maintained the most creative thinking occurred in the bed, the bath, and the bus. These are times when one is not actively engaged in day-to-day events. One is letting the mind wander as one falls asleep, relaxes in the bathtub or takes a trip.
• Practice remote associations: In other words, brainstorm wild ideas.
• Go outside: Spending time in natural settings expands attention and mind-wandering activities.
• Revisit creative ideas: Critique ideas to analyze whether or not the first flash of insight is as creative as it could be.

¹ Weir, Kirsten (2022). The science behind creativity. Monitor on Psychology, 52 (3), 40-49. 

Note: I have not posted on my blog for the past three months. The recent death of my husband drained my energy and creativity. I hope to return to monthly blog posts in the future.