<i>Caffeine is most likely the most common stimulant used by humankind. But how much does it actually stimulate us?</i>

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As caffeine is used by a major portion of the human population it is no surprise that it is also a common subject of many scientific studies. Especially studies on its effects on the central nervous system and the heart. A recent study by experts from the University of Arkansas looked into caffeine's effects on creative problem-solving.

This is an interesting study as many people consume studies not only because it helps them keep awake but also because they have the feeling that it activates their brains and increases their creating thinking. But the study seems to show that it is not the case.

<h3>How Could Caffeine Affect Creativity?</h3>

It is no secret that caffeine can increase your energy and increase concentration allowing its consumers to reach higher productivity. Yet the question of whether it does the same to your creativity remained unanswered.

Eighty participants were included in the study and one half of them were given a placebo while the other half were given a pill with 200 mg of caffeine – about the amount you would find in a cup of coffee. The scientists then studied the effect of caffeine on two types of thinking – divergent and convergent.

Divergent thinking is a process that leads to the creation of a higher number of original ways to solve problems. Thus, it is considered to be one of the major prerequisites of creativity. On the other hand, convergent thinking usually is the ability to correctly answer questions that do not require creativity – such as answering a multiple-choice test in school.

<h3>Creativity – Same | Productivity – Higher</h3>

The results of the research showed that people who were given the 200 mg of caffeine did not have any changes in their divergent thinking. In other words, their creativity – the ability to come up with new and interesting answers or solutions – wasn't improved in any regard. But the caffeine did improve convergent thinking and it also showed to improve the mood of the participants.

So, likely caffeine is good to increase productivity but it will not make you more creative. But if you are a creative person lacking in productivity – caffeine just may be the drug of choice for you.

<h4>Sources:</h4>
* https://news.uark.edu/articles/52447/caffeine-boosts-problem-solving-ability-but-not-creativity-study-indicates


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