Uncorking the muse: alcohol intoxication facilitates creative problem solving

Andrew F Jarosz; Gregory J H Colflesh; Jennifer Wiley

doi:10.1016/j.concog.2012.01.002

Uncorking the muse: alcohol intoxication facilitates creative problem solving

Conscious Cogn. 2012 Mar;21(1):487-93. doi: 10.1016/j.concog.2012.01.002. Epub 2012 Jan 30.

Authors

Andrew F Jarosz¹, Gregory J H Colflesh, Jennifer Wiley

Affiliation

¹ Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1007 W. Harrison St. MC 285, Chicago, IL 60647, USA. ajaros5@uic.edu

PMID: 22285424
DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2012.01.002

Abstract

That alcohol provides a benefit to creative processes has long been assumed by popular culture, but to date has not been tested. The current experiment tested the effects of moderate alcohol intoxication on a common creative problem solving task, the Remote Associates Test (RAT). Individuals were brought to a blood alcohol content of approximately .075, and, after reaching peak intoxication, completed a battery of RAT items. Intoxicated individuals solved more RAT items, in less time, and were more likely to perceive their solutions as the result of a sudden insight. Results are interpreted from an attentional control perspective.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Adult
Alcoholic Intoxication / psychology*
Attention*
Creativity*
Executive Function*
Humans
Male
Problem Solving*
United States
Word Association Tests