A sketch is not enough: Dynamic external support increases creative insight on a guided synthesis task

Pearson, David G. and Logie, Robert H. (2014) A sketch is not enough: Dynamic external support increases creative insight on a guided synthesis task. Thinking & Reasoning, 21 (1). pp. 97-112. ISSN 1464-0708

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Abstract

Although external representations, such as sketches, are regarded as facilitating insight during creative synthesis and design tasks, previous empirical studies have provided conflicting evidence in support of this role. Here, we argue sketches are static representations that fail to fully externalise mental imagery processes involved during creative synthesis tasks. An experiment is reported in which participants manipulate simple alpha-numeric and geometric shapes into patterns depicting familiar objects or symbols. Trials were performed using either mental imagery alone, drawing manipulations in the air with a finger, sketching manipulations on a piece of paper, or dynamically performing the manipulations on-screen using a graphics package. Results show the number of patterns correctly interpreted as recognisable objects was significantly higher in the dynamic support condition in comparison to all other conditions. Based on this finding, we argue that static forms of external support may be less effective in supporting creative problem-solving than previously believed.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Keywords:	Creativity, Insight, External support, Mental imagery, Mental synthesis
Faculty:	ARCHIVED Faculty of Science & Technology (until September 2018)
Depositing User:	Repository Admin
Date Deposited:	15 Jun 2016 10:36
Last Modified:	09 Sep 2021 16:16
URI:	https://arro.anglia.ac.uk/id/eprint/613193

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