An investigation of the cognitive and neural correlates of semantic memory search related to creative ability

Switching and clustering in semantic memory search in the context of a novel polysemous word association task are related to creativity in terms of cognitive and neural processing. Creative ideas likely result from searching and combining semantic memory knowledge, yet the mechanisms acting on memory to yield creative ideas remain unclear. Here, we identified the neurocognitive correlates of semantic search components related to creative abilities. We designed an associative fluency task based on polysemous words and distinguished two search components related to clustering and switching between the different meanings of the polysemous words. Clustering correlated with divergent thinking, while switching correlated with the ability to combine remote associates. Furthermore, switching correlated with semantic memory structure and executive abilities, and was predicted by connectivity between the default, control, and salience neural networks. In contrast, clustering relied on interactions between control, salience, and attentional neural networks. Our results suggest that switching captures interactions between memory structure and control processes guiding the search whereas clustering may capture attentional controlled processes for persistent search, and that alternations between exploratory search and focused attention support creativity.

Automated summary

Creative ideas likely result from searching and combining semantic memory knowledge. Switching and clustering in the search process are related to cognitive and neural processing. Switching is correlated with the ability to combine remote associates and semantic memory structure, while clustering is correlated with divergent thinking and attentional control.