Temporal Dynamics of Cognitive processing Influence Creativity: Importance of Environmental Setting
Human creativity refers to the cognitive capacity to produce new and valuable information, which often leads to innovations in society and scientific technology. Over a long period of time, many people have been fascinated by the question of how creativity emerges in our brain and how it can be enhanced. Recently, a growing number of studies have revealed that some types of environmental stimuli can enhance human creativity. Further, specific temporal dynamics of cognitive processes are crucial for acquiring creative ideas. However, how the temporal dynamics of creativity are influenced by the environment remains unclear. Through a literature review of neural and psychological research, this study aimed to elucidate the environmental settings that enhance cognitive performance. We found that each stage of the temporal dynamics of creativity may differently be correlated with neural function. Further, environmental factors may have various, and sometimes contrasting, effects on the temporal dynamics of creativity. We propose a hypothesis that the optimal environment condition varies depending on the stages of temporal dynamics since each stage requires different cognitive processes. However, there is a need for future studies to elucidate how creativity is modulated by social conditions and the physical environment, as well as whether there are differences in the ideal environment for individual and group creativities. Nonetheless, this is the first study to clarify the influence of environmental settings on the temporal dynamics of creativity from the perspective of neuroscience and psychology.