Effects of alcohol on a divergent figural fluency test during the illumination phase of the creative process

Author(s): Gustafson, R.

Journal/Book: Creativity Res J. 1998; 11: 10 Industrial Ave, Mahwah, NJ 07430-2262. Lawrence Erlbaum Assoc Inc. 265-274.

Abstract: This study examined whether or nor acute alcohol intoxication inhibits or facilitates fluency and its different components in the illumination phase of Wallas's (1926/1970) 4-stage model of creativity. Twenty-one authors with 21 marched nonauthors were randomly assigned to three groups of equal size: a control group, a placebo group, and an alcohol group (alcohol dose: I mi 100% alcohol/kg body weight). They received a divergent figural fluency test that was evaluated in terms of fluency, flexibility, obvious answers, and original answers. The experiment produced three main results: (a) the alcohol group scored lower on flexibility compared to the placebo group, (b) scored higher on originality compared to the control group, and (c) the authors and nonauthors reacted in the same fashion to a moderate dose of alcohol. These results were interpreted as an indication that a moderate dose of alcohol may exert a dual control during the illumination phase of the creative process, by inhibiting or facilitating different components.

Note: Article Norlander T, Karlstad Univ, Dept Psychol, S-65188 Karlstad, SWEDEN

Keyword(s): DRINKING

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