Why do Creative Folks Blink a Lot - Essay Sample

The authors of this study are Soghra Akbari Chermahini and Benard Hommel. They researched in the Netherlands to find the link between the creative mind and dopamine by examining the random eye blink rate (EBR).

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Purpose of the research

The researchers sought to understand the link between creativity and dopamine. Creatives possess a divergent mind that finds solutions to problems in a free-flowing and spontaneous way. Divergent thinkers find solutions in a multi-faceted manner by analyzing various possibilities and finding one that functions. Notably, this study aimed to find out the relationship between dopamine and the functioning of a divergent mind. Dopamine has catalytic impacts on behavior and cognition since it increases a person's ability to be present, and sensitive, and boosts mood. Therefore, this study examines the dopaminergic neurotransmitter system and how it influences the creative mind's activities.

Methodology

The researchers studied the random eye blink rate (EBR). EBR is an authoritative clinical computation of striatal dopamine creation. Previous studies on EBR show some impressive results. For example, people with schizophrenia, who generally have higher cognitive incapacitation, have higher EBRs and higher striatal dopamine absorption. Another example of EBRs is that of cocaine users, and Parkinson patients exhibit lower EBR. This study computed divergent thinking by directing the subjects to make a list of all the possible utilizations of a brick, shoe, and newspaper that they could think of in ten minutes. The also presented the subjects with three unrelated words and asking them to provide a word that is common to the three as a way of measuring convergent thinking.

Contrary to the test in divergent thinking, the one for convergent thinking could only produce one answer. Further, this method finds that the convergent thinking test had a positive link with fluid intelligence. However, there was a negative link with the fluent measure of divergent thinking. As such, convergent and divergent minds have a basis in contrasting mental procedures.

Findings of the research

The researches integrated the examination of three different experiments to elevate the authority of the study. The study found that the subjects with a faster random EBR had a higher score in the divergent thinking test. The first assessment controlled for fluid intelligence, and the findings remained the same. Additionally, the participants with an average random EBR possessed the highest points of flexibility. It is important to note that if the EBR is much slower or much faster, it harms divergent thinking. Therefore, this finding points out an optimal level of dopamine needed for the divergent mind.

Moreover, contrast is true. The computation of convergent thinking shows that individuals with the lowest EBR had the highest results. Consequently, as per this research, dopamine is good for divergent thinking but only if the levels are not too high. Very high dopamine levels will incapacitate the divergent mind as well.

Implications for future research

The findings for this research provide great insight and can give the basis for future research. The results show that both divergent and convergent thinking are significant in creativity. Creativity has to be unique and useful; as such, an individual must possess the ability to curate, simplify, and explain a creative product. According to the researchers, the EBR method is a simple computation of dopaminergic functions and does not interfere with various dopaminergic pathways and nerve receptors. Therefore, further studies must seek to establish different systems and pathways in creative minds. Notably, this study found that distinct variations in the gene that regulates some areas of dopaminergic workings may impact the divergent thinking procedure. Finally, there are several intersecting genes, and neurotransmitters have an essential function in very creative people. The connection between the genes and the environment also impacts creativity.

Research Gap

This study shows the relationship between dopamine and creative thinking. It shows that creative thinkers can develop solutions from an array of possibilities. They can analyze each option and provide a working solution with or without distinct directions. This research shows that dopamine increases creativity in problem-solving. However, an area that remains unclear is how creative people simplify and regulate their neurotransmitters. This is because the divergent thinkers can sharpen their focus or get less focused at various stages in the process.

In the beginning, this report alludes to the schizophrenic mind, which wanders a lot. Many studies show that dopamine levels must always be lower in schizophrenic individuals to allow them to calm down and have the stillest thoughts. However, as divergent thinkers are more explorative and creative, it begs the question as to whether a relative increase in dopamine levels can foster their genius.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the random EBR of creative individuals is significantly higher than average. This research finds that the relationship between dopamine and creativity. The results find that individuals with a divergent mind function even better with a slight increase in their dopamine. However, creativity must have an extraordinary level of convergent thinking.

References

Kaufman, S. B. (2010, April 2). Why Creative Folks Blink a Lot. Retrieved from Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/beautiful-minds/201004/why-creative-folks-blink-lot