Principle of systemic quantization and new functional systems
From the perspective of normal physiology, creativity is not a chaotic process. It strictly obeys the principle of systemic quantization. This means that any creative activity has a clear vector: it begins with the emergence of an acute need and ends only when that need is satisfied.
The main physiological feature of creativity lies in the brain's ability, based on existing knowledge, to form an entirely new question or global problem. In other words, the organism creates a unique, previously nonexistent functional system aimed at achieving an unusual, heuristic result that cannot be obtained through standard methods.
Stages of the creative process
To arrive at a heuristic solution and overcome emerging obstacles, the central nervous system sequentially implements a number of stages. This algorithm includes:
- Probabilistic forecasting of the result. The brain attempts to anticipate in advance what certain actions will lead to.
- Assessment of the environment. Analysis of the current conditions in which the need is to be satisfied.
- Restoration (activation) of knowledge. To solve a new problem, past experience must be retrieved from memory. This process relies on four fundamental mechanisms:
- Encoding;
- Retrieval;
- Reproduction;
- Recognition.
- Separation of the understandable from the incomprehensible. Differentiation of available information to identify gaps that require creative search.
- «Fitting» knowledge to cognition. Comparing old experience with new, not yet fully studied conditions.
- Formulation of the hypothetical action result acceptor. The final stage where a neuronal model of the very unusual result the subject strives for is created.
Subject of creative activity
It is important to note that the formation of a problem and the creation of a new functional system are not limited to the framework of a single brain. The subject of creativity can be either an individual individual or an entire group of people united by a common need and jointly going through all the stages of probabilistic forecasting and knowledge activation.
Briefly: answers to topical questions
Which brain structures provide probabilistic forecasting of the result?
The cited sources explicitly indicate the involvement of the basal ganglia in forecasting.
In particular, their complex functional loops perform:
- control of motivation and forecasting;
- coordination of motivational and cognitive processes necessary for movement organization.
It is also indicated that the basal ganglia participate in emotional and cognitive processes.
What is the physiological role of the action result acceptor in Anokhin's theory?
The physiological role of the action result acceptor lies in anticipating the required result and continuously evaluating the success of behavior.
The main functions of this apparatus include:
- Creation of an expected result model (anticipation apparatus) based on cyclic interneuronal relationships.
- Continuous comparison of the properties of external stimuli with the properties of the programmed end result.
- Programming actions that promote the achievement of useful results and prevent the achievement of negative ones.
- Formation of an emotionally colored goal based on the experience of satisfying needs.
When a mismatch occurs between the real and expected result in the acceptor, a negative emotion arises.
To memorize memory operation mechanisms during the knowledge activation stage, use the mnemonic ERPR: Encoding, Retrieval, Production (Reproduction), Recognition.
Class and exam questions
What is creativity from a physiological standpoint?
This is the process of overcoming obstacles to satisfy a primary need or realize imagination, leading to heuristic solutions and the programming of unusual results.
What principle underlies the creative process?
It is based on the principle of systemic quantization, meaning the strict progression of the system from the emergence of a need to its satisfaction.
What is the outcome of the stages of the creative process?
The outcome is the formulation of a hypothetical action result acceptor—a model of the future unusual result.
What else to study on this topic
- Mechanisms of probabilistic result forecasting
- The role of imagination in initiating creative activity
- Separation of the understandable from the incomprehensible as a physiological process
- The concept of the hypothetical action result acceptor
- Features of group problem formation
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