Light Bulbs and Creativity (06-18-10)

Slepian and his colleagues have identified another way in which signals from the physical environment influence human behavior.  The image of a classic incandescent light bulb is linked to innovation in Western culture, and these researchers have determined that people exposed to illuminated versions of just such bulbs are more creative.  This effect was not seen when participants sat under bare florescent bulbs that were lit or shaded lit incandescent bulbs.  The researchers conclude that “These findings add to the growing body of research showing that perceptions of objects in our environment can subtly influence our behavior.”  This blog has referenced many similar examples of environmental signals.

Michael Slepian, Max Welsbuch, Abraham Rutchick, Leonard Newman, and Nalini Ambady.  2010.  “Shedding Light on Insight: Priming Bright Ideas.”  Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, vol. 46, pp. 696-700.