Research Article
An Exploratory Neuroscience Study for Measuring Business Problem-Solving Creativity Based on the Search for Ideas in Associative Memory (SIAM) Model
1 Sungkyunkwan University
Published: January 2018 · Vol. 47 No. 5 · pp. 1111-1137
DOI: https://doi.org/10.17287/kmr.2018.47.5.1111
Full Text
Abstract
This study aims to analyze from a neuroscience perspective how Business Problem-Solving Creativity (BPSC) differs when decision-makers experience positive versus negative emotions. According to neuroscience research findings, creativity varies depending on hemodynamic differences in the frontal lobe; however, studies that analyze hemodynamic results of the frontal lobe from a neuroscience perspective with a focus on users' BPSC are rare. Accordingly, this study presents the results of a neuroscience experimental analysis based on functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). To measure BPSC, this study induced positive and negative emotions through music and then measured how creatively users solved business problem-solving tasks. To obtain refined experimental results, based on the Search for Ideas in Associative Memory (SIAM) model, near stimuli and far stimuli were administered, and the degree of differences in BPSC by stimulus type was measured using an fNIRS device. Experiments conducted with 28 participants confirmed that significant differences in BPSC occurred depending on positive and negative emotions, and furthermore, that differences in BPSC levels occurred depending on near and far stimuli, accompanied by distinct hemodynamic differences in the frontal lobe. Analysis of the degree of hemodynamic activation by Brodmann areas of the brain revealed that hemodynamic changes in Brodmann areas 9, 10, 45, and 46 within the frontal lobe of participants showed statistically significant differences depending on positive emotions, negative emotions, and near versus far stimuli.
