The influence of empathy and velocity on creativity in brainstorming

The aim of this study was to examine the influence of empathy and velocity on creativity in brainstorming. In the literature there have been some studies on the relationship between empathy and cognitive-social behaviors. However, no research was conducted on the effect of empathy on creativity. Empathy was manipulated by instructing the participants to put themselves in the place of a disabled person. The participants in the high empathy condition were instructed to write down their cognitions and feelings about the difficulties that a disabled person can face. However, those in the low empathy condition were objectively written down the difficulties of a disabled person. A total of 218 students from various departments at Abant İzzet Baysal University participated in this experiment for an experimental credit. After the typing speed and neutralization task, they were randomly assigned to the experimental conditions. After manipulations all participants were exposed to a brainstorming task that led them to improve the ways for the life conditions of a the ways for the life conditions of a disabled person for twelve minute session. Findings of this experiment showed that the participants in the high empathy condition generated more creative ideas than those in the velocity condition generated more deeper and unique (creative) ideas than those in the control condition. In addition, deep thinking played a mediator role for the relationship between velocity and creativity. Moreover, there was a positive relationship between cognitive empathy as a trait variable and creativity and this relationship was fully mediated by flexibility. Finally, some perception data confirmed the effects of independent variables. These research findings were discussed in the light of literature. Key words: Empathy, Velocity, Brain Storming, Creativity.