Creativity & Problem-Solving
Research, products, and tools referenced in this module.15 resources available.
2 printable PDFs
Recommended open-ended play materials by category, plus what to skip
Age-appropriate problem scenarios for practicing creative and logical thinking
Beaty et al. (2014) - Demonstrates that highly creative individuals show stronger DMN connectivity, establishing neural basis of creative thinking
Bartoli et al. (2024) - Direct cortical stimulation study proving causal involvement of DMN in originality of creative responses
Sio & Ormerod (2009) - Meta-analytic evidence for incubation effects, particularly strong for divergent thinking tasks
Ritter & Dijksterhuis (2014) - Review of evidence that unconscious processes actively contribute to creative thinking during incubation
Ryan & Deci (2000) - Foundational paper on how autonomy, competence, and relatedness support intrinsic motivation and creativity
Berretta & Privette (1990) - Demonstrates flexible play produces greater creative thinking than structured play in children
Zhang et al. (2020) - Neuroscience of how the brain shifts between divergent and convergent thinking modes
Xia et al. (2021) - Evidence that divergent and convergent creative abilities develop separately and require different training
Gilhooly (2016) - Review of experimental evidence for unconscious work during incubation periods
Dankiw et al. (2020) - Systematic review showing positive impacts of nature play on imaginative and cognitive behaviors
Kim (2011) - Analysis of declining creativity scores on Torrance tests since 1990, particularly in young children
Huo et al. (2020) - Research on how industriousness moderates the link between default mode network function and creativity
Moriguchi & Hiraki (2013) - Review of prefrontal development and executive function in early childhood using neuroimaging
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