Creativity

Returning to art after 25 years of being a working mother has changed the way I see the world—and myself.

New research provides one possible answer: Highly creative people have a stronger ability to see things from other people's perspectives.

New research suggests that background music, with or without lyrics, "consistently disrupts creative performance."

A small study from the Netherlands finds that a few grams of hallucinogenic truffles can stimulate the imagination.

By fourth grade, girls are better than boys at reading and, especially, writing. New research finds this gap then increases as they get older.

New research finds the ability to recognize and manage feelings is beneficial to the creative process.

There's new evidence that the brains of musicians and bilinguals require less effort to perform cognitive tasks.

Performing can be a way of letting go of one's sense of self.

Chinese researchers demonstrate how high-tech tools can be used to harness the power of metaphor.

New research finds living abroad helps people discern their true natures from culturally imposed traits and values.

Both punk bands and student groups produce more innovative work if they contain a mix of married and single people.

New research identifies a pattern of brain activity that is associated with superior creativity.

The way we mentally process the unexpected may be a key to creativity.

New research finds visual artists do not do their best work during periods of bereavement.

New research suggests vivid imagery is key to poetry's aesthetic appeal.

Unless it's motivated by fear, social withdrawal can be a positive thing.

Reflecting on a painting or poem can inspire innovative solutions to business-related problems.

Administrators, teachers, and parents all seem to have some idea about how to fix homework. Why not ask the students themselves?

New research finds a monetary reward inspires innovation far more than the promise of public recognition.

New research finds upbeat music from Vivaldi's The Four Seasons stimulates a key type of creative thinking.

British researchers find a strong link between cultural engagement and participating in activities that benefit the community.

New research finds it can, at least for one variety of innovative thinking.

New research finds mindless drawing produces psychological benefits.

Will dire circumstances prevent art that fuels a resistance from catching on, or will artists simply be further galvanized to create?