Creativity
Creating Art Can Bring Neural and Spiritual Benefits
Returning to art after 25 years of being a working mother has changed the way I see the world—and myself.
Why Is Hollywood So Liberal?
New research provides one possible answer: Highly creative people have a stronger ability to see things from other people's perspectives.
Listening to Music Impairs Creativity
New research suggests that background music, with or without lyrics, "consistently disrupts creative performance."
Microdosing May Increase Creativity
A small study from the Netherlands finds that a few grams of hallucinogenic truffles can stimulate the imagination.
Women Are Superior Wordsmiths From an Early Age
By fourth grade, girls are better than boys at reading and, especially, writing. New research finds this gap then increases as they get older.
The Link Between Creativity and Emotional Intelligence
New research finds the ability to recognize and manage feelings is beneficial to the creative process.
Making Music Builds a More Efficient Brain
There's new evidence that the brains of musicians and bilinguals require less effort to perform cognitive tasks.
For Artists, Traumatic Childhoods Can Lead to More Intense Creative Experiences
Performing can be a way of letting go of one's sense of self.
Breaking Down Virtual-Reality Walls May Boost Creativity
Chinese researchers demonstrate how high-tech tools can be used to harness the power of metaphor.
Who Am I? You May Find the Answer Abroad.
New research finds living abroad helps people discern their true natures from culturally imposed traits and values.
Rock Bands Need a Married Square as Much as They do the Wild Bachelor
Both punk bands and student groups produce more innovative work if they contain a mix of married and single people.
The Unique Neural Network of the Creative Brain
New research identifies a pattern of brain activity that is associated with superior creativity.
The Brains of Jazz and Classical Musicians Respond Differently to Surprising Sounds
The way we mentally process the unexpected may be a key to creativity.
Contrary to Cliché, Misery May Inhibit Creativity
New research finds visual artists do not do their best work during periods of bereavement.
What Makes a Poem Really Pop?
New research suggests vivid imagery is key to poetry's aesthetic appeal.
Alone Time Linked to Creativity
Unless it's motivated by fear, social withdrawal can be a positive thing.
Exposure to Art Inspires Creativity at the Office
Reflecting on a painting or poem can inspire innovative solutions to business-related problems.
Making Homework Matter: Don't Ban It, Fix It
Administrators, teachers, and parents all seem to have some idea about how to fix homework. Why not ask the students themselves?
Cash for Creativity
New research finds a monetary reward inspires innovation far more than the promise of public recognition.
For Greater Creativity, Go for Baroque
New research finds upbeat music from Vivaldi's The Four Seasons stimulates a key type of creative thinking.
Need Help? Call an Arts Lover
British researchers find a strong link between cultural engagement and participating in activities that benefit the community.
Can Alcohol Fuel Creativity?
New research finds it can, at least for one variety of innovative thinking.
The Doodler Abides
New research finds mindless drawing produces psychological benefits.
Can Protest Art Survive and Thrive During a Trump Presidency?
Will dire circumstances prevent art that fuels a resistance from catching on, or will artists simply be further galvanized to create?