Date of Award
9-11-2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Psychological Science, MS
First Advisor
Jessica Curtis
Committee Members
Gregory Cantrell, Kris Biondolillo
Call Number
ISBN 9798384077138
Abstract
This study examines the influence of walking on creativity, specifically how motor activities like rhythmic and obstructed ambulation impact divergent thinking. Previous research suggests walking enhances creativity, but these findings may be confounded by uncontrolled movements of the head, eyes, and arms. Our controlled treadmill experiment, distinguishing between stationary, unobstructed, and obstructed walking, aimed to isolate walking's effects. Results indicated no significant differences in creativity scores across conditions, challenging the hypothesis that complex ambulation directly enhances divergent thinking. This suggests that the cognitive benefits of walking may not stem from the act itself but potentially from associated broader motor activities. This study clarifies the relationship between physical movement and creative cognition, offering insights into how specific types of ambulation influence divergent thinking
Rights Management
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Bartholomae, Charles, "Does Walking Help Creativity? How Isolating Motor Functions to Rhythmic and Obstructed Ambulation Affects Divergent Thinking." (2024). Student Theses and Dissertations. 42.
https://arch.astate.edu/all-etd/42
