Does cognitive load affect creativity? An experiment using a divergent thinking task

Cortney S. Rodet

Economics Letters, 2022, vol. 220, issue C

Abstract: A major challenge for organizations in the modern economy is understanding how to stimulate creativity among their work force, and emerging research continues to emphasize that creativity is subject to myriad factors related to work structure and work environment. The results from a laboratory experiment using a divergent thinking task show that cognitive load induced by a number memorization task significantly reduces the quantity and variety of creative ideas. Results highlight the importance of work-related stressors and the division of labor when it comes to cultivating creativity.

Keywords: Creativity; Cognitive load; Experiments; Divergent thinking; Work design (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: C91 D91 M12 M20 M54 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:ecolet:v:220:y:2022:i:c:s0165176522003238

DOI: 10.1016/j.econlet.2022.110849

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