The Creative Brain: Exploring the Connection Between Neuroscience and the Creative Process
Retno Ryani Kusumawati, Akhmad Baidun, Dery Kurniawan, Linus Kali Palindangan, Retika Najmamulat Asih
Journal Of Social Research May 22, 2026 DOI: 10.55324/josr.v5i6.3169 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative literature review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Default mode network |
| Keywords | Salience neuroscience Process computing Neurocognitive Cognition Cognitive neuroscience Theme computing Field mathematics Cognitive science Cognitive psychology Creativity technique Resource disambiguation Mind-wandering Divergent thinking |
| Key findings | Creativity involves dynamic interactions between the default mode network, executive control network, and salience network, along with cognitive and emotional factors. |
Abstract
This research aims to explore and analyze the relationship between neuroscience and creative processes in order to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying human creativity. The method used was qualitative research with a descriptive approach through literature studies, with data collection techniques in the form of searching scientific literature from journal articles, academic books, and other credible sources, and analyzed using the stages of theme identification, data reduction, concept categorization, and inductive conclusion drawn. The results of the study show that creativity is a multidimensional neurocognitive process that involves dynamic interactions between various brain networks, especially the default mode network, executive control network, and salience network, which plays a role in the generation, evaluation, and implementation of ideas. In addition, creativity is also influenced by cognitive factors such as memory and thinking flexibility, as well as emotional and motivational factors such as mind wandering and flow conditions. These findings confirm that creativity is not singular or static, but rather the result of complex integrations between various neural systems and individual experiences. The implications of this research make an important contribution to the development of the theory of neuroscience of creativity and its application in the field of education and human resource development. Thus, this research strengthens the understanding that creativity can be studied scientifically and potentially developed through a neuroscience-based approach.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on default mode network, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Effortless awareness: using real time neurofeedback to investigate correlates of posterior cingulate cortex activity in meditators' self-report Meditators | 2013 | Qualitative study using grounded theory methodology | |
| Too Fast or Too Slow? Time and Neuronal Variability in Bipolar Disorder—A Combined Theoretical and Empirical Investigation | 2017 | Theoretical and empirical approach combining phenomenological, psychological, and neuroscientific accounts | |
| Exploring Dynamic Thought Patterns using fMRI and Experience Sampling | 2025 | Neurophenomenological study | |
| THE ROLE OF THE SALIENCE NETWORK AND THE DEFAULT MODE NETWORK IN SECOND LANGUAGE LEARNING | 2023 | Qualitative study | |
| Investigating Multiple Streams of Consciousness: Using Descriptive Experience Sampling to Explore Internally and Externally Directed Streams of Thought. Five Descriptive Experience Sampling (DES) participants | 2018 | Qualitative study | n = 5 |