Integrative Mechanics of Mind Wandering and their Effect on Creativity

Abstract

Previous literature has many rich findings on the mechanisms, implications and effects of mind-wandering. For example, Baird et. al (2012) found that mind-wandering can facilitate creativity. Furthermore, Miles et. al (2010) have found that the directionality of one’s mind-wandering can be influenced by temporal primes. We attempt to replicate these findings in our study in addition to analyzing other potential factors influencing mind-wandering, such as mood and intentionality of mind-wandering sessions. The introduction presents a comprehensive review explaining theoretical and neurological mechanisms of mind-wandering, followed by literature reviews on how mood, intentionality and other elements of mind wandering operate. Though we were unable to replicate Baird’s and Miles’s studies, our study indicates a relation between being presented with forward motion and sustained mind-wandering sessions. Furthermore, high levels of alpha power have a positive relationship with increasing fluency scores on the Uunusual Use Task. Though previous literature indicates correlations between non-positive moods and past-oriented mind-wandering, we failed to find a correlation between the directionality of one’s mind-wandering and mood. Additional findings are also discussed to provide a more complete picture on how an individual can utilize mind-wandering as a tool to enhance their creativity.