Studies in Creativity: II. Influence of Motivation in the Reorganization of Experience

Abstract

Individuals differ in the way they store and utilize information. Some tend to retain associative bonds (using combinations previously associated); others tend to fragment the paired elements; and still others violate associative bonds by regrouping the elements. The major objective of this study was to determine whether the individual differences were due to differences in ability or in preference. Since preferences are readily altered by motivational changes, Ss were told that they would not be given credit when information units were reproduced as learned but that credit would be given if the learned elements were either used individually (fragmented) or regrouped (reorganized). The result of this altered motivation was a decrease in the use of previously paired elements and an increase in fragmented elements. However, reorganization of elements did not increase. It is concluded that the differences people show in the reorganization of learned information are primarily due to variations in ability rather than in preferences. The fact that some individuals still continue to use associative bonds, despite the motivational change, also indicates basic differences in ability.