Flexible Semantic Network Structure Supports the Production of Creative Metaphor

Metaphors are a common way to express creative language, yet the cognitive basis of figurative language production remains poorly understood. Previous studies found that higher individuals can better comprehend novel metaphors, potentially due more flexible semantic memory network structure conducive remote conceptual combination. The present study extends this domain metaphor and examined whether ability produce metaphors is related variation in memory. Participants completed task two verbal fluency tasks. They were divided into equal groups based on their score. networks these estimated analyzed responses using computational science approach. Results revealed high-metaphor producing flexible, clustered, less rigid than low-metaphor individuals. Importantly, results replicated across both categories. findings provide first evidence relates people’s extending growing literature role creativity production.