Scientists’ attempts at deciphering the neurological processes that explain creativity have recently zeroed in on the brain’s so-called alpha waves.
Alpha waves are strong when the brain’s visual cortex is resting. For example, when a person is relaxed and closes their eyes, alpha wave activity is higher. When they open their eyes, this attenuates alpha activity.
More recently, scientists have hypothesized that alpha waves might serve to inhibit certain cortical areas when these are not necessary. Some researchers have even suggested that there is an association between the strength of these waves and creativity.
