Some observations on the creative process

Effect of emotions on visual evoked potentials

The effects of anxiety and anger on the visual evoked potentials generated by exposure to visual stimuli (circle or square as compared to blank card) did not for 80 human Ss modify the latencies or the amplitude of P1, P2, N1 and N2 peaks. Anxiety and anger modified, however, in a statistically significant manner P3 and the following waves. The P3 – N4 wave complex seemed to relate to cognitive processes. The results suggest that the effects of cognitive processes related to anxiety and rage differ, at least in part.

An Experimental Approach to the Psychology of Form Creation

This paper describes a series of experiments concerned with form creation. 48 Ss were individually requested to place 3 unpainted wooden bars on a black surface measuring 50 by 50 cm, so that the figure formed appeared to S to possess the maximum degree of beauty. An analysis of the patterns and statements by Ss suggest three working methods: (1) 24 Ss created their forms under the influence of an experience of dynamic forces, movement, etc., (2) 11 Ss created their forms under the influence of ideals, ideas, and fantasies, and (3) 13 Ss created their forms influenced by a combination of experience of forces, movement, etc., as well as by ideals, ideas and fantasies. The 48 forms were classified as groups of more or less similar shape or structure. The judged beauty of the form appears to depend on the angle of observation. One group experienced their forms as having maximum beauty at all angles, another group at one angle only, while a third group mentioned at several—two or more—angles. Relating qualities of Ss, called creative and other qualities of Ss, especially those of interest to the perceptual psychology was attempted. Use of such knowledge may be of value in teaching.