The formula for creative thinking is pretty elusive, but
scientists have a few evidence-based clues. While the
brain's right hemisphere gets most of the credit for thinking
outside the box, evidence shows that a collaborative effort
between the right and left hemispheres may bring the best
results.
Scientists say that it is the fixed rules of the left
hemisphere that keeps a logical check on the broad
brainstorming of the right hemisphere. So you wind up with
super creative, yet practical, ideas.
In fact, a study published this week in the journal Brain
and Cognition shows that when you boost the level of
communication between the right and left hemispheres your
creativity increases.
Sixty-two subjects performed a creativity task, where they
had to come up with as many alternate uses for common objects
like, a paper clip, pencil, shoe, etc. as they could in one
minute.
After this initial task researchers asked subjects to move
their eyes to follow a target as it moved horizontally left
to right for 30 seconds. This exercise is thought to increase
the cross-talk between the hemispheres.
Then the subjects completed the creative task again. Results
were surprising. Subjects came up with significantly more
unique uses for the everyday items, than the control group
who stared straight ahead.
So when brainstorming ideas for that new Thanksgiving dish or
the name of your unborn son, maybe try bilateral eye movement
which, in the words of science, increases your inter-hemispheric
interaction, and in turn increases your options.