The paradox of aesthetic attitude as creativity potential (German version)
(Grant given by the Innovative Fond “Frontier”, Excellence Initiative of the University of Heidelberg)

Research in cognitive psychology has repeatedly demonstrated that subjects try to avoid cognitive overload in information processing because of its well known negative effects on learning, thinking and problem solving. In contrast, when processing aesthetic objects, cognitive overload as a transitional stage is positively evaluated and enjoyed. I call this phenomenon the paradox of aesthetic attitude. In this research project we will investigate the effect of subjects’ aesthetic attitude on processing, aesthetic appreciation, and quality of problem solving in literary vs non-literary texts. For data collection we use online (reaction times, eye movement) as well as off line (rating scales, content analysis, text production) measures. (in a sequence of several studies).

 

Projekt Staff

Dipl. psych. Lena Wimmer
Cand. psych. Laura Mehl
Cand. psych. Corinne Neukel

 

Kooperationspartner

Prof. Dr. N. Groeben

Honorary Professor at Heidelberg University and at the University of Mannheim, Literary Studies