The dynamics of resting-state alpha oscillations predict individual differences in creativity

Abstract

The neuronal mechanisms underlying creativity are poorly understood. Arguably, the brain's ability to switch states would contribute to achieving novel ideas, and thus to creativity. Faster brain-state switching is reflected in the temporal dynamics of functional brain activity. Stronger autocorrelations in brain activity measures can make a brain stay in a certain state for longer periods, whereas low temporal autocorrelations reflect faster state switching. We established the brain's inherent tendency to switch or stay in a resting, no-task condition using 128 channel electroencephalography (EEG). We assessed temporal autocorrelations of the amplitude modulation of the dominant alpha oscillations (8–13 Hz). Creativity was measured by a self-rating, an examiner-rating and the alternative uses task in 40 healthy young adults, which was scored on dimensions of verbal fluency, originality, elaboration, usefulness, and flexibility. For each dimension, the total number of subject-reported alternative uses that matched the criterion was noted (the quantity measure), as well as the proportion of uses that matched the dimensional criterion. A principal components analysis confirmed the two-component structure of quantity and quality. Partial correlation analysis was used controlling for gender and age, and a cluster permutation test was performed to correct for multiple testing. A significant cluster over right central/temporal brain areas was found with a negative correlation between creativity and temporal autocorrelations were observed (p = 0.028). To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration that individual variation in the dynamically changing activity in the brain may offer a neuronal explanation for individual variation in creative ideation.