What Can Heart Rate Tell Us About the Creative Process?

Abstract

Two experiments investigated differences in processes involved in solving four problem types. In both experiments, cognitive processes associated with solving certain problem, types were observed using ongoing heart rate measures. In Experiment 1, each of the 18 subjects solved eight problems and simultaneously provided feeling-of-warmth (FOW) ratings. Their heart rate (HR) was monitored each second. The results showed a continuous increase in HR during the solution of interpolation problems, and a sudden increase in HR when respondents solved insight problems. In both cases, HR was consistent with FOW ratings. These results suggest an incremental solution approach to interpolation problems and a sudden solution, described as illumination, to insight problems. Subjects' HRs during the solution of dialectic and divergent production problems were less regular and were interrupted by several increases and decreases in HR, which indicate the strategy of hypothesis testing. Fourteen students participated in Experiment 2. They thought aloud while solving eight problems, and their heart rate was monitored each second. The results obtained confirmed the findings of Experiment 1.