The Cognitive Neuroscience of Problem – Solving and Creativity: Implications for the Nigerian Secondary School Teacher

Iyagba, P. W; Briggs, Victor D

doi:10.31149/ijefsd.v3i5.1897

Iyagba, P. W Department of Educational Psychology, Guidance and Counseling Ignatius Ajuru University of Education Rumuolumeni Campus, Port Harcourt Rivers State Nigeria
Briggs, Victor D Department of Educational Psychology, Guidance and Counseling Ignatius Ajuru University of Education Rumuolumeni Campus, Port Harcourt Rivers State Nigeria

DOI: https://doi.org/10.31149/ijefsd.v3i5.1897

Keywords: Cognitive, Neuroscience, Secondary School, Nigeria

Abstract

Cognitive neuroscience is a subfield of neuroscience that studies the physiological basis of cognition. Cognition is the process of knowing, that
involves the reception of raw sensory information and the transformation, elaboration, storage, recovery and use of the information. Cognition
depends on the workings of the nervous system and is directly concerned about intellectual function. Problem–solving and creativity are two
cognitive processes that help the individual harmonize information for solving problems and generate novel ideas and innovative solutions to
problems. Problem–solving is thinking that is directed towards the solving of a specific problem which may involve both the formation of
responses and the relation among positive responses. Creativity is the ability to produce novel ideas and innovative solutions to problems. The
cerebral cortex and the prefrontal cortex of the human brain are mainly involved in the cognitive processes of problem–solving and creativity.
The cognitive theory of problem–solving are creativity and the four– model of creativity form the theoretical thrust of this study.

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