Right hemisphere contributions to creative problem solving: Converging evidence for divergent thinking

TitleRight hemisphere contributions to creative problem solving: Converging evidence for divergent thinking
Publication TypeBook Chapter
Year of Publication1997
AuthorsFiore S.M., Schooler J.W.
EditorBeeman M., Chiarello C.
Book TitleRight Hemisphere Language Comprehension
Pagination349-372
PublisherLawrence Erlbaum
CityHillsdale, NJ
Abstract

Review evidence suggesting that at least one component of creative human behavior may have some association with right hemisphere (RH) function. Specifically, we argue that insight may rely on cognitive processes associated with the RH. In supporting this claim we find a number of neuropsychological and psychological parallels between the properties of insight problem solving and the cognitive characteristics of the RH. These include: (a) a reliance on nonverbal processes, (b) avoiding perseveration, (c) access to nondominant interpretations, and (d) perceptual restructuring. Consideration of cognitive and neurocognitive findings suggest that all 4 of these cognitive attributes are associated both with insight problem solving and with the RH. Although the evidence discussed is circumstantial, our goal is to persuade the reader that our presentation of this evidence provides a unifying account of disparate processes with an intuitively appealing explanation. Thus, such parallels suggest the possibility that the RH might be involved in the culmination of these processes, namely, the formulation of insightful solutions. In further support of this claim, we report recent empirical evidence, using a split visual field priming paradigm, suggesting that the RH may be uniquely receptive to information that can lead to insightful solutions. 72 right-handed males participated.

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