The twofold model of creativity: the neural underpinnings of the generation and evaluation of creative ideas

It is increasingly acknowledged that creativity involves two phases: a generation phase and an evaluation phase. The two-fold model assumes a cyclic motion between the generation and the evaluation of ideas, as common or deviant ideas are rejected, and novel and appropriate ideas receive further attention and elaboration. Here we synthesize recent neuroimaging findings into an extended two-fold model, and emphasize the important role of the evaluation phase. The model aims to explain how different environmental processes, like expertise and enculturation, affect creativity. We further divide the evaluation phase into three sub stages: valuation, monitoring, and selection. We provide evidence for the model and suggest that creativity research would greatly benefit from incorporating the extended two-fold model into future research questions.