Caffeine's Effect on Creative Production
Abstract
This study attempted to determine a link between caffeine consumption and an increase in the creative production of an individual. Participants, college-aged students at Texas A&M University, completed Form A of the figural portion of the Torrance Test of Creative Thinking to establish a baseline score. Participants then received chewing gum containing either 100mg of caffeine or no caffeine (placebo) and completed a survey containing biometric data as well as caffeine consumption habits. After one hour the students took Form B of the figural portion of the Torrance Test of Creative Thinking. Scores from these tests were compared among experimental groups and variables reported on the survey were taken into consideration. The experiment showed a statistically significant (p<0.05) decrease in the fluency scores of those individuals who received caffeinated gum over their placebo counterparts. Additionally the overall, originality, and elaboration scores trended downwards in the group receiving caffeine. This data shows that caffeine does play a role in the creative thought process, although its effects are complex. Further research is necessary to verify and elucidate the role of caffeine in creative thinking.
Citation
Mims, Mark M (2010). Caffeine's Effect on Creative Production. Honors and Undergraduate Research. Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /ETD -TAMU -2010 -05 -8106.