Short Wave Podcast Summary: “Science Can Make You More Creative!”
Podcast Information:
- Title: Short Wave
- Host/Author: NPR
- Episode: Science Can Make You More Creative!
- Release Date: May 6, 2025
- Hosts: Emily Kwong and Regina Barber
Overview: In the May 6, 2025 episode of NPR's Short Wave, host Burleigh McCoy delves into the intriguing science of creativity with psychologist Zarana Ifcevic Pringle. Titled “Science Can Make You More Creative!”, the episode explores the nature of creativity, how it can be nurtured, and the psychological mechanisms that underpin creative thinking. Through engaging discussions, practical examples, and insightful research findings, the episode demystifies creativity, making it accessible to everyone.
1. Introduction to Creativity and Zarana’s Journey ([01:35] - [04:17])
Burleigh McCoy opens the conversation by introducing Zarana Ifcevic Pringle, a psychologist who became fascinated with creativity during her undergraduate studies. Zarana recounts how she discovered that creative individuals often exhibit seemingly contradictory personality traits:
Zarana Ifcevic Pringle ([02:03]): “Creative individuals at times can be extroverted, other times very introverted. They can be playful but also very serious about their work, can seem naive and see things with fresh eyes, but also be very focused in their work.”
Over two decades of studying creativity, Zarana has debunked the myth that creativity is an innate trait reserved for the “Einsteins or Beyonces” of the world. She emphasizes that creativity exists on a continuum and can be developed:
Zarana Ifcevic Pringle ([02:23]): “...the idea that some people are creative and some people aren't. What scientists call a fixed mindset can stop creativity in its tracks.”
2. Understanding Fixed vs. Growth Mindset in Creativity ([02:23] - [04:17])
Zarana explains the concept of fixed mindset versus growth mindset in the context of creativity. A fixed mindset—the belief that creativity is an innate talent—can hinder individuals from attempting creative endeavors. In contrast, a growth mindset allows anyone to develop their creative abilities through effort and practice.
Zarana Ifcevic Pringle ([02:41]): “Oftentimes, just the fact that we don't think of ourselves as creative is going to prevent us from ever attempting it.”
3. The Continuum of Creativity: Big C, Mini C, and Pro C ([02:56] - [03:32])
Zarana introduces the framework of creativity existing on a continuum, categorized into three types:
- Big C Creators: Eminent creators who have a significant impact, such as Beyoncé or Einstein.
- Mini C Creativity: Everyday creative acts, like finding a unique way to learn times tables or gifting a friend a unique present.
- Pro C Creativity: Professional creativity applied in work contexts, such as designing software, writing a novel, or producing a science podcast.
Zarana Ifcevic Pringle ([02:56]): “Creativity exists on a continuum for what we call Mini C creativity in the process of learning.”
4. Measuring Creativity: Tests and Methods ([06:19] - [09:48])
The discussion shifts to how scientists study and measure creativity. Zarana outlines several methods:
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Divergent Thinking Tests: Participants are asked to think of as many uses as possible for a common object, such as a brick. The quantity and originality of responses are evaluated.
Zarana Ifcevic Pringle ([06:29]): “An example of this test, probably the most frequently asked question is how do we use a simple everyday object in new and different ways?”
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Experience Sampling Method: Participants use smartphone apps that prompt them at random times to answer questions about their creative activities. The final creative output is then assessed by experts.
Zarana Ifcevic Pringle ([08:20]): “We use our smartphones and their apps that send notifications at random times during the day to complete a series of questions...”
5. Creativity and Emotional Intelligence ([09:48] - [10:56])
Zarana emphasizes the role of emotional intelligence in fostering creativity. Understanding and managing emotions can enhance creative problem-solving.
Zarana Ifcevic Pringle ([10:06]): “Different emotions have these different connections between thinking and feeling. And if we know the connections about thinking and feeling, we can use it to our advantage.”
For instance, being happy can make a person more playful and open to unconventional ideas, while a subdued mood may enhance critical thinking.
Zarana Ifcevic Pringle ([10:21]): “If you are happy, you can now be playful. You are better able to think in ways that are original, that are going beyond what is obvious, that are unconventional.”
6. Overcoming Creative Blocks: The Candle Test ([10:56] - [12:49])
Burleigh introduces the concept of creative blocks and the candle test, a classic problem-solving exercise:
Zarana Ifcevic Pringle ([11:06]): “...the task that the person has is to affix this candle to the wall so that the wax does not drip on the table.”
The standard success rate for solving the candle test is around 20%. However, Zarana reveals a simple instruction change that boosts success to 80% by encouraging participants to reconstruct the problem:
Zarana Ifcevic Pringle ([12:14]): “The changes to present these materials as the box of thumbtacks, but saying a box and thumbtacks...”
This shift from viewing the items as a single unit to separate components allows for more creative solutions.
7. Strategies for Reconstructing Problems and Overcoming Blocks ([12:49] - [14:44])
Zarana shares her personal experience with creative blocks while writing her book. She overcame her block by physically rearranging her draft, which helped her see the problem from a new perspective:
Zarana Ifcevic Pringle ([13:08]): “I printed out my draft chapter that was not working and cut, physically cut with scissors, units of meaning and then started arranging them...”
She offers valuable strategies for listeners to manage creative blocks:
- Take a Break: Allow yourself time to step away from the problem.
- Reconstruct the Problem: Examine it differently to uncover new aspects.
- Adopt a Growth Mindset: Believe in your ability to overcome challenges and develop creativity.
Zarana Ifcevic Pringle ([13:24]): “It is important to start with the moment where we give ourselves a break...”
8. Conclusion and Further Resources ([14:44] - [14:51])
Burleigh thanks Zarana for sharing her insights on creativity. Zarana mentions her book, The Creativity Choice: The Science of Making Decisions to Turn Ideas into Actions, which offers readers practical advice on fostering creativity.
Notable Quotes:
- Zarana Ifcevic Pringle ([02:03]): “Creative individuals at times can be extroverted, other times very introverted. They can be playful but also very serious about their work...”
- Zarana Ifcevic Pringle ([02:23]): “What scientists call a fixed mindset can stop creativity in its tracks.”
- Zarana Ifcevic Pringle ([06:29]): “...how do we use a simple everyday object in new and different ways?”
- Zarana Ifcevic Pringle ([10:21]): “If you are happy, you can now be playful...”
- Zarana Ifcevic Pringle ([13:24]): “It is important to start with the moment where we give ourselves a break...”
Conclusion: This episode of Short Wave provides a comprehensive exploration of creativity, blending psychological theories with practical applications. Zarana Ifcevic Pringle underscores that creativity is not an exclusive trait but a skill that anyone can develop. By adopting a growth mindset, understanding the interplay between emotions and creativity, and employing strategic problem-solving techniques, listeners are empowered to unlock their creative potential.
For those interested in deepening their understanding, Zarana’s book, The Creativity Choice, is recommended as a valuable resource.