Thinking in terms of opposites and creativity

The topic will be addressed at two levels. In the first part we will briefly review empirical and theoretical evidence that justify the question/hypothesis. In the second part we will discuss two studies, where the hypothesis is tested with tasks where the range of solutions is open (i.e. open- tasks). In the first study participants engaged in a design activity. They were shown the images of two objects (a moka pot and a chair) and asked to draw as many different variants of these objects as they could think of. In one condition the task was performed after being trained to “think in opposites”. The other two control conditions had absence of training or a different training. In a second study we explored whether training people to look at artworks in terms of “showing opposites” improves the pleasure and/or interest experienced. Also in this case two control conditions were included in the study - absence of training and a different (historical) training. The results of the studies (which are currently in progress) will be discussed in terms of fluidity and flexibility of responses, in study 1, and of aesthetic pleasure end interest ratings, in study 2.