The impact of watching science fiction on the creativity of individuals: The role of STEM background

This paper delves into the intersection of science fiction, creativity, and individuals' backgrounds, with a special emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education. We investigate if individuals with a STEM background show a more pronounced creative impact from watch...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inTechnovation Vol. 132; p. 102994
Main Authors Marozzo, Veronica, Crupi, Antonio, Abbate, Tindara, Cesaroni, Fabrizio, Corvello, Vincenzo
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Elsevier Ltd 01.04.2024
Subjects
Creativity
Experiment
Individuals' background
Innovation
Science fiction
Innovation
Experiment
Creativity
Science fiction
Individuals' background
Online AccessGet full text

Cover

More Information
Summary:This paper delves into the intersection of science fiction, creativity, and individuals' backgrounds, with a special emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education. We investigate if individuals with a STEM background show a more pronounced creative impact from watching science fiction compared to their non-STEM counterparts. We conducted an experimental study involving 204 university students from various disciplines, both STEM and non-STEM, randomly assigned to one of two conditions—watching a science fiction TV episode or a non-science fiction episode—followed by a creative task. The solutions proposed by the students were assessed for their level of creativity. Our findings reveal that the students with a STEM background were more creatively impacted by the exposure to science fiction. These insights hold significant implications for educators, policy-makers, and professionals interested in fostering creativity, suggesting the need for tailored approaches based on an individual's background and a potential role for science fiction in stimulating creative thinking. •Different individuals' backgrounds may change the effects of sci-fi exposure on creativity.•Individuals with a STEM background were more creatively impacted by the exposure to sci-fi.•Sci-fi exposure may activate and engage individuals' existing STEM knowledge, skills, and professional experiences.•Sci-fi exposure may provide a new context in which STEM skills can be emphasized, thus leading to increased creativity.
ISSN:0166-4972
1879-2383
DOI:10.1016/j.technovation.2024.102994