"Variable Attention Facilitates Creative Problem Solving" by Oshin Vartanian

Summary

This research paper explores the relationship between attention and creativity, challenging the traditional view that creativity stems from a consistently defocused state of mind. Instead, the author argues, and presents experimental evidence to support, the idea that creative individuals possess a flexible attentional control. This means they can adjust their focus of attention according to the demands of the task, employing a broad focus for ill-defined, ambiguous problems and a narrow focus for well-defined ones. This adaptability in attentional strategy is proposed as a key factor facilitating successful creative problem solving, allowing individuals to effectively navigate the changing nature of complex problems.