A bridge too far: conceptual distance and creative ideation

Journal article


Hocking, I. and Vernon, D. 2017. A bridge too far: conceptual distance and creative ideation. Creativity: Theories, Research, Applications. 4 (2), pp. 333-352. https://doi.org/10.1515/ctra-2017-0017
AuthorsHocking, I. and Vernon, D.
Abstract

Previous research has shown changing perspectives to be important in problem finding, with viewpoint-based techniques like the 'six thinking hats' and the 'six honest serving men' im- proving performance (e.g. Vernon & Hocking, 2014). To date, however, evidence for similar techniques based on conceptu- ally 'near' and 'far' cues, where conceptual distance is defined topologically in a semantic space, has shown mixed results. In a sample of 171 participants, we used two standard verbal problem scenarios together with a novel technique comprising six concepts that were either conceptually near or far from the problem scenario.

Participants in the experimental group used the concepts when generating solutions; controls were given empty placeholders instead of concepts. Performance was measured for fluency, quality, originality and flexibility. Apart from flexibility, participants did worse when using con- cepts of either type in comparison to controls. For flexibility, a borderline boost for far concepts was observed (η2 = .03, p = .06). We conclude that the cognitive load overhead intro- duced by our concept-cueing technique, or any other similar technique that attempts to shape the creative process, needs to be minimised through a variety of methods before we can better determine its usefulness and, thus, the role of concep- tual distance in creative problem solving.

Year2017
JournalCreativity: Theories, Research, Applications
Journal citation4 (2), pp. 333-352
PublisherDe Gruyter
ISSN2354-0036
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1515/ctra-2017-0017
Official URLhttps://doi.org/10.1515/ctra-2017-0017
Publication dates
Online29 Dec 2017
Publication process dates
Deposited01 Feb 2018
Accepted03 Nov 2017
Accepted author manuscript
Output statusPublished
Additional information

Open Access

Permalink -

https://repository.canterbury.ac.uk/item/8887z/a-bridge-too-far-conceptual-distance-and-creative-ideation

Download files


Accepted author manuscript
  • 115
    total views
  • 73
    total downloads
  • 4
    views this month
  • 0
    downloads this month

Export as

Related outputs

Sensory processing sensitivity, transliminality, and boundary-thinness as predictors of anomalous experiences, beliefs, and abilities
Roxburgh, E. C., Vernon, D. and Schofield, M. B. 2024. Sensory processing sensitivity, transliminality, and boundary-thinness as predictors of anomalous experiences, beliefs, and abilities. Current Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-024-06619-9
Testing home dream precognition and exploring links to psychological factors
Vernon, D., Roxburgh, E. C. and Schofield, M. B. 2024. Testing home dream precognition and exploring links to psychological factors. International Journal of Dream Research.
Exploring the relationship between sensory processing sensitivity and dream precognition.
Vernon, D., Roxburgh, E. and Schofield, M. B. 2023. Exploring the relationship between sensory processing sensitivity and dream precognition.
An online survey investigating sensory processing sensitivity, transliminality, and boundary-thinness as predictors of anomalous experience and belief
Roxburgh, E. C., Vernon, D. and Schofield, M. B. 2023. An online survey investigating sensory processing sensitivity, transliminality, and boundary-thinness as predictors of anomalous experience and belief.
Exploring cognitive processes used by mediums during alleged communication with the deceased
Connelly, C., Vernon, D. and Cane, J. 2023. Exploring cognitive processes used by mediums during alleged communication with the deceased. Journal of Anomalous Experience and Cognition (JAEX).
An implicit and explicit assessment of morphic resonance theory using Chinese characters
Vernon, D., Hitchman, G. and Roe, C. 2021. An implicit and explicit assessment of morphic resonance theory using Chinese characters. Journal of the Society for Psychical Research. 85 (3), pp. 129-143.
Sustainability in the workplace and the theory of planned behaviour: Norms and identity predict environmentally friendly intentions
Nigbur, D., Fernandez, A., Coen, S., Franz, A. and Hocking, I. 2021. Sustainability in the workplace and the theory of planned behaviour: Norms and identity predict environmentally friendly intentions. in: Leal Filho, W., Salvia, A. L. and Frankenberger, F. (ed.) Handbook on Teaching and Learning for Sustainable Development Edward Elgar.
Using virtual reality to test for telepathy: A proof-of-concept study
Vernon, D. 2020. Using virtual reality to test for telepathy: A proof-of-concept study. Journal of Scientific Exploration. 34 (4), pp. 683-702. https://doi.org/10.31275/2020/1833
Dark cognition: Evidence of psi and its implications for consciousness
Vernon, D. 2020. Dark cognition: Evidence of psi and its implications for consciousness. London Taylor & Francis.
Sustainability in the workplace and the theory of planned behaviour: Norms and identity predict environmentally friendly intentions
Nigbur, D., Fernandez, A., Coen, S., Franz, A. and Hocking, I. 2020. Sustainability in the workplace and the theory of planned behaviour: Norms and identity predict environmentally friendly intentions.
Measuring precognitive effects using a fast implicit and fast explicit task
Vernon, D. 2019. Measuring precognitive effects using a fast implicit and fast explicit task.
A test of telepathy using immersive virtual reality
Vernon, D., Sandford, T. and Moyo, E. 2019. A test of telepathy using immersive virtual reality.
Portrait of an artist as collaborator: an interpretative phenomenological analysis of an artist
Hocking, I. 2019. Portrait of an artist as collaborator: an interpretative phenomenological analysis of an artist. Frontiers in Psychology. 10 (251), pp. 1-10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00251
Testing precognition using a novel computer driving game
Vernon, D. and Ivencevic, L. 2018. Testing precognition using a novel computer driving game.
Precognitive priming of compound remote associates: using an implicit creative insight task to elicit precognition
Vernon, D. 2018. Precognitive priming of compound remote associates: using an implicit creative insight task to elicit precognition.
Test of reward contingent precall
Vernon, D. 2018. Test of reward contingent precall. Journal of Parapsychology. 82 (1), pp. 8-23. https://doi.org/10.30891/jopar.2018.01.02.
Further explorations of enhancing creative problem solving via structured thinking techniques
Hocking, I. and Vernon, D. 2017. Further explorations of enhancing creative problem solving via structured thinking techniques.
The right tool for the right task: structured techniques prove less effective on an ill-defined problem finding task
Hocking, I. and Vernon, D. 2017. The right tool for the right task: structured techniques prove less effective on an ill-defined problem finding task. Thinking Skills and Creativity. 26, pp. 84-91. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2017.08.001
Testing to see whether participants with high levels of belief in psi can precall highly emotive images
Vernon, D. 2017. Testing to see whether participants with high levels of belief in psi can precall highly emotive images.
Attempting to elicit a precall effect using emotive images and participants with high levels of belief in psi
Vernon, D. 2017. Attempting to elicit a precall effect using emotive images and participants with high levels of belief in psi. Journal of Consciousness Studies. 24 (11-12), pp. 216-237.
Exploring the effect of a contingent cash based reward on the precall of arousing images
Vernon, D. 2017. Exploring the effect of a contingent cash based reward on the precall of arousing images.
How to win the lottery: Can using precall help in radomized prize draws?
Vernon, D. 2017. How to win the lottery: Can using precall help in radomized prize draws? Paranormal Review. Spring (82), p. 23.
The golden path: first steps in establishing order for two creative problem solving techniques
Hocking, I. and Vernon, D. 2017. The golden path: first steps in establishing order for two creative problem solving techniques. Edinburgh Napier University
Enhancing creative problem solving and creative self-efficacy: a preliminary study
Dempster, T., Hocking, I., Vernon, D. and Snyder, H. 2017. Enhancing creative problem solving and creative self-efficacy: a preliminary study. Edinburgh Napier University
Exploring precall using arousing images and utilising a memory recall practise task on-line
Vernon, D. 2017. Exploring precall using arousing images and utilising a memory recall practise task on-line. Journal of the Society for Psychical Research.
A matter of perspective: the impact of near and far conceptual distance on creative problem solving
Hocking, I. and Vernon, D. 2016. A matter of perspective: the impact of near and far conceptual distance on creative problem solving.
Which cues work best? An examination of two structured thinking tools using eye-tracking analysis
Hocking, I., Vernon, D., Rehal, N. and Valkova, M. 2016. Which cues work best? An examination of two structured thinking tools using eye-tracking analysis.
Exploring precall using arousing images and utilising a memory recall practice task on-line
Vernon, D. 2016. Exploring precall using arousing images and utilising a memory recall practice task on-line.
Either here or there: exploring conceptual distance using a novel clock face paradigm in a creative problem solving task
Vernon, D. and Hocking, I. 2016. Either here or there: exploring conceptual distance using a novel clock face paradigm in a creative problem solving task.
Six Thinking Hats vs. Six Good Men: does the order of the elements matter?
Vernon, D. and Hocking, I. 2016. Six Thinking Hats vs. Six Good Men: does the order of the elements matter?
Behavioural evolution: Darwin's theory and adaptive behaviour
Osthaus, B. and Hocking, I. 2016. Behavioural evolution: Darwin's theory and adaptive behaviour. CCCU Science Society Talk. The Foundry, Canterbury, UK 25 May 2016 CCCU Science Society.
The influence of self-regulation technique on the efficiency of voluntary increasing alpha power training
Bazanova, O., Lazareva, O. and Vernon, D. 2014. The influence of self-regulation technique on the efficiency of voluntary increasing alpha power training.
Neurofeedback: reviewing the methodology
Bazanova, O. and Vernon, D. 2014. Neurofeedback: reviewing the methodology.
Comparing the effectiveness of subliminal single-word, and multi-word primes on working memory performance
Reeves, S. and Vernon, D. 2014. Comparing the effectiveness of subliminal single-word, and multi-word primes on working memory performance.
An evidence-based review of creative problem solving tools: a practitioner’s resource
Vernon, D., Hocking, I. and Tyler, T. 2016. An evidence-based review of creative problem solving tools: a practitioner’s resource. Human Resource Development Review. https://doi.org/10.1177/1534484316641512
Beyond belief: structured techniques prove more effective than a placebo intervention in a problem construction task
Vernon, D. and Hocking, I. 2016. Beyond belief: structured techniques prove more effective than a placebo intervention in a problem construction task. Thinking Skills and Creativity. 19, pp. 153-159. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2015.10.009
Solaris and 'the other' [in Eye on fiction: the alien in us all]
Hocking, I. 2015. Solaris and 'the other' [in Eye on fiction: the alien in us all]. The Psychologist. 28 (10), pp. 808-811.
Applying structured techniques in a problem construction task
Hocking, I. and Vernon, D. 2015. Applying structured techniques in a problem construction task. University of Toronto
Thinking hats and good men: structured techniques in a problem finding task
Hocking, I. and Vernon, D. 2014. Thinking hats and good men: structured techniques in a problem finding task. University of Nottingham
Have you tried 'brain breathing'? Structured thinking and problem construction
Hocking, I. and Vernon, D. 2015. Have you tried 'brain breathing'? Structured thinking and problem construction. University of Kent
Interpreting EEG alpha activity
Bazanova, O. and Vernon, D. 2014. Interpreting EEG alpha activity. Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews. 44, pp. 94-110. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2013.05.007
Comparing structured thinking tools on a problem construction task using an ill-defined problem
Vernon, D. and Hocking, I. 2015. Comparing structured thinking tools on a problem construction task using an ill-defined problem. University of Kent
Thinking hats and good men: structured techniques in a problem construction task
Vernon, D. and Hocking, I. 2014. Thinking hats and good men: structured techniques in a problem construction task. Thinking Skills and Creativity. 14, pp. 41-46. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2014.07.001
Exploring precognition using a repetition priming paradigm
Vernon, D. 2015. Exploring precognition using a repetition priming paradigm. Journal of the Society for Psychical Research. 79 (2) (919), pp. 65-79.
Asymmetric activation of the anterior cerebral cortex in recipients of IRECA: preliminary evidence for the energetic effects of an intention-based treatment modality on human neurophysiology.
Pike, C., Vernon, D. and Hald, L. 2014. Asymmetric activation of the anterior cerebral cortex in recipients of IRECA: preliminary evidence for the energetic effects of an intention-based treatment modality on human neurophysiology. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 20 (10), pp. 780-786. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2014.0074
Exploring modality switching effects in negated sentences: further evidence for grounded representations
Hald, L., Hocking, I., Vernon, D., Marshall, J. and Garnham, A. 2013. Exploring modality switching effects in negated sentences: further evidence for grounded representations. Frontiers in Psychology. 4. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2013.00093
Spatial cognition and perseveration by horses, donkeys and mules in a simple A-not-B detour task
Osthaus, B., Proops, L., Hocking, I. and Burden, F. 2013. Spatial cognition and perseveration by horses, donkeys and mules in a simple A-not-B detour task. Animal Cognition. 16 (2), pp. 301-305. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10071-012-0589-4
Tracking EEG changes to alpha and beta binaural beats
Vernon, D., Peryer, G., Louch, J. and Shaw, M. 2014. Tracking EEG changes to alpha and beta binaural beats. International Journal of Psychophysiology. 93 (1), pp. 134-139. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2012.10.008
A novel self-guided approach to alpha activity training using water based electrodes
Van Boxtel, G., Denissen, A., Jager, M., Vernon, D., Dekker, M., Mihajlovic, V. and Sitskoorn, M. 2012. A novel self-guided approach to alpha activity training using water based electrodes. International Journal of Psychophysiology. 83 (3), pp. 282-294. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2011.11.004
The human computer
Hocking, I. 2002. The human computer. in: Chorlton, W. (ed.) Thinking and Knowing London Brown Partworks.
Artificial minds
Hocking, I. 2002. Artificial minds. in: Chorlton, W. (ed.) The Brain and the Mind London Brown Partworks.
Down to the wire: a short introduction to artificial intelligence
Hocking, I. 2012. Down to the wire: a short introduction to artificial intelligence. Thirst eDitions.
The theory of planned behaviour, self-identity, and moral disengagement: what predicts sustainability at work?
Nigbur, D., Coen, S., Fernandez, A., Franz, A. and Hocking, I. 2012. The theory of planned behaviour, self-identity, and moral disengagement: what predicts sustainability at work?
Neurofeedback: refining the methodology of brain-computer interface training.
Vernon, D. and Dempster, T. 2012. Neurofeedback: refining the methodology of brain-computer interface training. in: Orsucci, F. and Sala, N. (ed.) Complexity Science, Living Systems and Reflexing Interfaces: New Models and Perspectives Hershey, PA, USA. Idea Group Inc. pp. 92-111
Modality switching and negation: ERP evidence for modality-specific simulations during negation processing
Hald, L., Hocking, I., Marshall, J., Vernon, D. and Garnham, A. 2011. Modality switching and negation: ERP evidence for modality-specific simulations during negation processing.
The essence of nationhood: how ordinary people make sense of nationality, and how essentialist beliefs create acculturative problems
Nigbur, D., Franz, A., Hocking, I., Hilton, D., Charalambides, L., Zagefka, H., Gonzalez, R. and Tip, L. 2012. The essence of nationhood: how ordinary people make sense of nationality, and how essentialist beliefs create acculturative problems.
Human potential: exploring techniques used to enhance human performance
Vernon, D. 2009. Human potential: exploring techniques used to enhance human performance. London Routledge.
The effects of distinct training schedules on participants’ ability to alter alpha activity via neurofeedback: a preliminary study
Vernon, D. and Dempster, T. 2008. The effects of distinct training schedules on participants’ ability to alter alpha activity via neurofeedback: a preliminary study.
Neurofeedback as a mechanism to enhance the performance of healthy participants
Vernon, D. 2009. Neurofeedback as a mechanism to enhance the performance of healthy participants.
EEG biofeedback as a mechanism to enhance performance
Vernon, D. 2010. EEG biofeedback as a mechanism to enhance performance.
Refining the methodology of alpha NFT and exploring its effect on cognition and mood
Vernon, D. 2010. Refining the methodology of alpha NFT and exploring its effect on cognition and mood.
Refining the methodology of EEG biofeedback
Vernon, D. 2010. Refining the methodology of EEG biofeedback.
EEG biofeedback and optimal performance
Vernon, D. 2010. EEG biofeedback and optimal performance.
Cortical habituation of schizotypal individuals: a differential pattern for unreality subtypes
Gruzelier, J., Vernon, D., Haenschel, C. and Dwivedi, P. 2002. Cortical habituation of schizotypal individuals: a differential pattern for unreality subtypes. International Journal of Psychophysiology. 45 (1-2), p. 79.
Validating the efficacy of neurofeedback for optimising performance
Gruzelier, J., Egner, T. and Vernon, D. 2006. Validating the efficacy of neurofeedback for optimising performance. Progress in Brain Research. 159, pp. 421-431. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0079-6123(06)59027-2
Theories and issues in child development
Slater, A., Hocking, I. and Loose, J. 2003. Theories and issues in child development. in: Slater, A. and Bremner, G. (ed.) An Introduction to Developmental Psychology Oxford Blackwell. pp. 34-62
The effect of distinct neurofeedback training protocols on working memory, mental rotation and attention
Vernon, D., Egner, T., Cooper, N., Compton, T., Neilands, C., Sheri, A. and Gruzelier, J. 2004. The effect of distinct neurofeedback training protocols on working memory, mental rotation and attention. Journal of Neurotherapy. 8 (1), pp. 83-102.
Neurofeedback as a treatment for ADHD: a methodological review with implications for future research
Vernon, D., Frick, A. and Gruzelier, J. 2004. Neurofeedback as a treatment for ADHD: a methodological review with implications for future research. Journal of Neurotherapy. 8 (2), pp. 53-82. https://doi.org/10.1300/J184v08n02_04
The role of colour in implicit and explicit memory performance
Vernon, D. and Lloyd-Jones, T. 2003. The role of colour in implicit and explicit memory performance. The Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology: Section A. 56 (5), pp. 779-802. https://doi.org/10.1080/02724980244000684
The effect of training distinct neurofeedback protocols on aspects of cognitive performance
Vernon, D., Egner, T., Cooper, N., Compton, T., Neilands, C., Sheri, A. and Gruzelier, J. 2003. The effect of training distinct neurofeedback protocols on aspects of cognitive performance. International Journal of Psychophysiology. 47 (1), pp. 75-85. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0167-8760(02)00091-0
Semantic interference from visual object recognition on visual imagery
Lloyd-Jones, T. and Vernon, D. 2003. Semantic interference from visual object recognition on visual imagery. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition. 29 (4), pp. 563-580. https://doi.org/10.1037/0278-7393.29.4.563
Dynamics of metacognitive judgments: Pre- and postretrieval mechanisms.
Vernon, D. and Usher, M. 2003. Dynamics of metacognitive judgments: Pre- and postretrieval mechanisms. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition. 29 (3), pp. 339-346. https://doi.org/10.1037/0278-7393.29.3.339
Slow habituation of induced gamma and beta oscillations in association with unreality experiences in schizotypy
Vernon, D., Haenschel, C., Dwivedi, P. and Gruzelier, J. 2005. Slow habituation of induced gamma and beta oscillations in association with unreality experiences in schizotypy. International Journal of Psychophysiology. 56 (1), pp. 15-24. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2004.09.012
Event-related brain potential correlates of human auditory sensory memory-trace formation
Haenschel, C., Vernon, D., Dwivedi, P., Gruzelier, J. and Baldewig, T. 2005. Event-related brain potential correlates of human auditory sensory memory-trace formation. Journal of Neuroscience. 25 (45), pp. 10494-10501. https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1227-05.2005
Can neurofeedback training enhance performance? An evaluation of the evidence with implications for future research
Vernon, D. 2005. Can neurofeedback training enhance performance? An evaluation of the evidence with implications for future research. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback. 30 (4), pp. 347-364. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10484-005-8421-4
Neurofeedback: using computer technology to alter brain functioning
Vernon, D. 2008. Neurofeedback: using computer technology to alter brain functioning. in: Orsucci, F. and Sala, N. (ed.) Reflexing Interfaces: The Complex Coevolution of Information Technology Ecosystems Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA IGI Global. pp. 94-108
Alpha neurofeedback training for performance enhancement: reviewing the methodology
Vernon, D., Dempster, T., Bazanova, O., Rutterford, N., Pasqualini, M. and Andersen, S. 2009. Alpha neurofeedback training for performance enhancement: reviewing the methodology. Journal of Neurotherapy. 13 (4), pp. 214-227. https://doi.org/10.1080/10874200903334397
Domestic cats (Felis catus) do not show causal understanding in a string-pulling task
Whitt, E., Douglas, M., Osthaus, B. and Hocking, I. 2009. Domestic cats (Felis catus) do not show causal understanding in a string-pulling task. Animal Cognition. 12 (5), pp. 739-743. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10071-009-0228-x
Effects of delay on color priming for natural objects
Vernon, D. and Lloyd-Jones, T. 2007. Effects of delay on color priming for natural objects. Psychological Reports. 100 (1), pp. 275-293. https://doi.org/10.2466/PR0.100.1.275-293
Identifying indices of learning for alpha neurofeedback training
Dempster, T. and Vernon, D. 2009. Identifying indices of learning for alpha neurofeedback training. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback. 34 (4), pp. 309-328. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10484-009-9112-3
Electroencephalographic biofeedback as a mechanism to alter mood, creativity and artistic performance
Vernon, D. and Gruzelier, J. 2008. Electroencephalographic biofeedback as a mechanism to alter mood, creativity and artistic performance. in: De Luca, B. (ed.) Mind-Body and Relaxation Research Focus New York, USA Nova Science Publishers. pp. 149-164