Percolating ideas: The effects of caffeine on creative thinking and problem solving.
Level 2 - randomized trial
Individual randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial
PubMed 32086187 · doi:10.1016/j.concog.2020.102899
What was done
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled between-subjects trial evaluated the effect of 200 mg caffeine versus placebo on creative problem solving (convergent thinking), creative idea generation (divergent thinking), and working memory. Eighty-eight participants were randomized to either 200 mg caffeine (n = 44) or placebo (n = 44). Analysis controlled for participant expectancies, perceived treatment condition, and mood changes.
What was found
The abstract reports that 200 mg caffeine significantly enhanced problem-solving abilities compared to placebo. It had no significant effects on creative generation or on working memory. Exact numerical scores, effect sizes, and p-values were not reported in the abstract.
Why it matters
This study differentiates facets of creative cognition, showing that moderate caffeine intake selectively aids convergent problem solving without altering open-ended idea generation.
Limits
The sample size is relatively small (n = 88). The abstract omits exact numerical values, effect sizes, p-values, participant demographic details, timing post-dose, and baseline caffeine tolerance.
Cited by
- contradicts Caffeine intake aids ideation and creative thinking.