Journal article

Publication year: 2021

Journal: Brain and Language

Volume number: 221

ISSN: 0093-934X

eISSN: 1090-2155

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bl.2021.105007

Publisher: Elsevier

Abstract: 
The aims of the present ERP study were twofold. First, to determine whether a previous study on creative cognition could be replicated, and second, to extend these findings by examining individual differences in creativity. Conceptual expansion, a capacity that is central to creativity, was induced via the processing of novel metaphors. Brain activity patterns in relation to these were compared to the processing of literal and nonsense phrases. The previous findings were replicated in that the N400, known for its sensitivity to semantic anomalies, indexed the originality of the phrases, while a post-N400 late component (LC), which is linked to semantic integration processes, indexed the appropriateness of the phrases. Moreover, only the LC was significantly sensitive to individual differences in creativity in the processing of these phrases. Differences at the level of semantic integration processes as well as the structure of knowledge organization are thereby implicated in individual differences in creativity.

Harvard Citation style: Abraham, A., Rutter, B. and Hermann, C. (2021) Conceptual expansion via novel metaphor processing: An ERP replication and extension study examining individual differences in creativity, Brain and Language, 221, Article 105007. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bl.2021.105007

APA Citation style: Abraham, A., Rutter, B., & Hermann, C. (2021). Conceptual expansion via novel metaphor processing: An ERP replication and extension study examining individual differences in creativity. Brain and Language. 221, Article 105007. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bl.2021.105007