Exploration of impact of incubation on creativity: A meta-analysis

The present study employed a multivariate meta-analysis technique to investigate the influence of incubation on creative tasks, examining the role of moderators in their relationship. Analyses with 195 effect sizes obtained from 52 studies found a mean effect size of Cohen’s d = 0.393, 95% confidence interval [0.253, 0.533]. Further analysis focused on moderators and indicated that the incubation effect in creativity was moderated by the cue type. When effect sizes were compared at beneficial or irrelevant cues, a stronger and more negative mean effect size was obtained at misleading cues, suggesting a pronounced impact of incubation in facilitating cognitive rigidity, fostering unconventional thinking, and facilitating the emergence of creative ideas. Remarkably, the incubation effect remained consistent across various moderator variables, such as cognitive load, underscoring its robustness as a cognitive phenomenon. This meta-analysis contributed to a deeper understanding and practical application of incubation in the domain of creativity, while offering valuable reference points for future investigations into its underlying mechanisms. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved) (Source: journal abstract)