Information-Deprivation and Creativity

Abstract

An experiment tested the hypothesis that highly creative Ss have more need for information than Ss low in measured creativity. 36 Ss were selected from the extremes of a larger group who had taken the Remote Associates Test (RAT). 22 Ss scored high (highly creative) and 14 Ss scored low (low-creatives) on the RAT. All Ss were deprived of information, i.e., placed in a lightproof and relatively soundproof chamber, for 8 hr. After 1 to 5 hr. one-half the Ss at each level of creativity were given access to information (a choice between two sequences of photic stimulation differing as to their informational content). An instrumental response activated the apparatus and caused brief flashes of light to appear in the ceiling of the experimental chamber. Results support the hypothesized motivational effect.

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