DIYgenomics Quantified Creativity Study

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Title: Quantified Creativity Study: Assessing Linkage between Genomic Profiles and the Objective Metrics of Creativity

Summary: For the first time, neurobiosensors are allowing objective metrics to be collected regarding many processes that were formerly limited to user reported data, including in processes such as creativity.

Hypothesis: Individuals with certain genetic profiles (e.g.; the favorable genotype) may have greater natural capacity for characteristics of creativity. In some cases, the favorable genetic profile is also related with higher risk for mental pathologies such as bipolar disorder and psychosis.

Genotype data: Genomic polymorphisms identified in the literature will be reviewed:

Phenotype data: Standardized online survey instruments will be used to assess individual creativity and interaction with the Creative Process.

The Creative Process (5 steps per Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi and other notes about personality, attitude, age, etc.):

• Preparation - becoming immersed in problematic issues that are interesting and arouses curiosity
• Incubation - ideas churn around below the threshold of consciousness
• Insight - the “Aha!” moment when the puzzle starts to fall together
• Evaluation - deciding if the insight is valuable and worth pursuing
• Elaboration - translating the insight into its final work

Potential standard instruments

• Kirton Adaptation Innovation Inventory (KAI)
• Buffalo Creative Process Inventory
• Personality Assessment Instruments Used in the Field of Creativity

Study protocol: Minimum n=100, goal n=1000. Ongoing open enrollment in a study with one and six month endpoints.

Study conduct: The study will be conducted in a healthy crowdsourced cohort. Enrollment will be open and ongoing, with at least 100 participants sought for the first phase of data analysis. Study recruitment and operation will be via the internet-based health collaboration community Genomera. The process is that participants will join the study, complete an informed consent process, agree to share personal genotyping data for the required variants, and complete the online survey instruments. Personalized feedback will be provided to participants.

Potential Study Advisors:

• Shelley Carson, Harvard University
• John Kounios, Drexel University
• Marta Pecina, University of Michigan

Potential citizen ethicist review: (see Ethical Review Q&A)

• Alexander Gerlyand, Biotechnology professional
• Amanda Kahn-Kirby, Biotechnology professional