Abstract

The present study examined the effects of working memory capacity on incubation and creativity which are related to problem solving. The purpose of Study 1 was to see the effect of working memory capacity on incubation. Study 2 investigated the relationship between working memory and creativity. The results of Study 1 showed that incubation period facilitated the performance on the problem solving in high span group whereas no difference in performance was found in low span group. Study 2 showed working memory capacity is related to only elaboration score among creativity scores. It was found that high span group showed higher elaboration scores than low span group. These findings suggest that individual differences in cognitive functions have been attributed to working memory capacity. It is also implicated that individual differences in working memory may be related to not only direct analytical processes but also complex thought processes such as incubation and creativity.