Hi I haven't looked at the literature for quite some time, but I remember that at least a few decades ago the experimental research on incubation was somewhat inconsistent. Has that changed? Incubation certainly appears plausible and has a possible underlying mechanism in terms of associative processes, but, as Chris's recent NY Times referral nicely demonstrates, that all goes for naught in face of negative experimental findings.
Take care Jim James M. Clark Professor of Psychology 204-786-9757 204-774-4134 Fax [EMAIL PROTECTED] Department of Psychology University of Winnipeg Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 2E9 CANADA >>> Allen Esterson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> 30-Sep-08 3:45 AM >>> On 28 September 2008 Mike Palij wrote: >An article in today's Sunday NY Times focuses on the role >of sleep in performance and creativity (even a "Ph.D. in >expeirmental psychology" is quoted. The story is available >at: http://tinyurl.com/4u9zln >From the New York Times article: "Some sort of incubation period, in which a person leaves an idea for a while, is crucial to creativity. During the incubation period, sleep may help the brain process a problem." I wonder if the sleep per se is so important, other than as providing a situation "in which a person leaves an idea for a while". I have frequently found that ideas on some topic I'm writing about suddenly pop into my mind while I'm out walking on the Thames towpath. Is this essentially different from ideas coming up after sleep? Is there some kind of *particular* "processing" occurring during sleep, or is it merely the result of the "leaving the idea for a while" that necessarily occurs during the sleeping period? Allen Esterson Former lecturer, Science Department Southwark College, London http://www.esterson.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------- Mike Palij Sun, 28 Sep 2008 04:32:20 -0700 An article in today's Sunday NY Times focuses on the role of sleep in performance and creativity (even a "Ph.D. in expeirmental psychology" is quoted. The story is available at: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/28/technology/28proto.html?th=&adxnnl=1&emc= th&adxnnlx=1222599633-uwfm8yG5fZ7FZ8yw+gOZJA or http://tinyurl.com/4u9zln Although Google has "EnergyPods" (special recliners for napping) one wonders if it will ever catch-on on college campuses? Or will student just continue to sleep at their desks? -Mike Palij New York University --- To make changes to your subscription contact: Bill Southerly ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) --- To make changes to your subscription contact: Bill Southerly ([EMAIL PROTECTED])
