Preliminary Tasks and Creative Performance on a Subsequent Task: Effects of Time on Preliminary Tasks and Amount of Information About the Subsequent Task

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This study examined the independent and joint effects of the nature of a preliminary task, the amount of time devoted to that task, and the amount of information about a subsequent task on individuals' creativity on that subsequent task. In addition, the study examined the possibility that individuals' mood states would explain the effects of the task, time, and information conditions on subsequent task creativity. Data were collected from 149 individuals who completed preliminary and subsequent tasks in a laboratory setting. Results demonstrated that individuals who worked on a complex preliminary task for a short interval or a simple task for a long interval exhibited higher subsequent task creativity than those in other task and time interval conditions (i.e., complex-long interval and simple-short interval). Moreover, these findings were partially explained by 1 positive mood state (enthusiasm) that had been measured immediately after the completion of the preliminary task. Implications of these results for future research and practice are discussed.