The Role of Research in Creative Systems Theory

Because of the Integrative nature of culturally mature conception, conventional research protocols are often not as readily applied to CST conceptions and conclusions as one might wish. That said, there is plenty of great research that could be done given the time and monetary resources.

Some of the most interesting potential research would draw on brain imaging technology. It would be fascinating to delineate the neurological correlates of different CSPT personality styles as well as Patterning in Time creative states.  Once these were identified, the number of fascinating studies that could be done would be endless.  (A wonderful question to have answered: CST claims parallels between Patterning in Time and Patterning in Space dynamics and uses parallel language to reflect this. Are there identifiable neurological parallels and how do they manifest?)

Studies that address CST power as a predictive tool are doable, but of limited usefulness for different reasons. Predictions are of a long-term sort and have more to do with general patterns that specifics that are objectively measurable. But there is certainly interesting work that could be done here.

Some of the most readily done research involves personality style differences. Here predicted correlates relate to all manner of things that can be readily measured—values, interests, most effective learning strategies, body dynamics, esthetic preferences, etc. Fascinating questions are endless. Some great research questions concern mind/body dynamics: Do significant correlates exist between the frequency of specific physical diseases and temperament? And might different treatment modalities work better and worse for people of different temperaments?

I am forever struck by the traps researchers fall into when they leave out temperament as a variable. I read a study the other day linking the use of marijuana and suicide.  I suspect there is a link.  But because the study did not discriminate by temperament, it did not even begin to effectively demonstrate this conclusion.  Earlies tend to be most likely to smoke marijuana.  They are also most vulnerable to depression and likely to commit suicide.  Unless one includes temperament as a variable, the study results are meaningless. I very much look forward to the time when we routinely include the variable of temperament in research, and not just with psychological concerns such as suicide, but in health care research more generally.