Brain Power in Intelligence and Creativity?

Question

Obviously, theres some logic required in creativity,but does creativity require more brain power than academic intelligence? It's pretty complex to answer but I was wondering of the general consensus because of those who pride themselves over being smarter those who are creative...

Answer 1

More brain power? Hmmm. I certainly know lots of musicians who are excellent at maths and science, and also the odd doctor who couldn've gone a long way with music had they put in the time.

Every one is different. I know that Bach and Mozart were geniouses and had extremely mathematical inclinations!!

If you're creative, good for you. You have just chosen a different path if you decide to become an artist. You are no less smart. In fact......... I think that anyone who claims they are "smarter" is just insecure about the fact that they can't groove ; )

All peeps are equal in Gods eyes, and all amazing

peace.

Answer 2

Research studies indicate a correlation between IQ and creativity, up to an IQ level of at least 120 (Bright Normal range).  Some research found this relationship to exist all the way up to an IQ of 150 (the Genius range).  

So yes, creativity does require a certain amount of logical capability, or what you are implying by "brain power." And this logical thinking capability is more than just "academic intelligence,"  which can include ability to memorize and perform well on tests.

An interesting summary of some research at Harvard notes that creativity involves a variety of abilities:

  

Focus and Concentration

Seeing all the possibilities

Evaluation

Editing of the possibilities

Insight (the Aha! experience)

All of these steps require intelligence.  I am sure that the more complex the problem, the more intelligence is required.  And different subsets of intelligence are also required for different types of creativity, e.g. artistic/musical vs physics creativity.  

Einstein's "theory of relativity" required tremendous creative ability, plus amazing raw brain power, because the issue was so complex.  Everyday creativity requires less intelligence, but still requires some.

A very interesting summary of the Harvard research can be found at the website below.