When to bring AI into a brainstorm: early or late? small study tests the timing effect on creativity

NCT ID NCT07693803

First seen Jul 09, 2026 · Last updated Jul 15, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This study investigates whether the timing of introducing an AI tool (ChatGPT Pro) during a group brainstorming session affects the creativity of the ideas generated. Undergraduate students work in teams of four on a 12-minute brainstorming task, with some groups using AI from the start, some halfway through, and some not at all. Independent judges rate the creativity of the ideas. The goal is to understand the best way to integrate AI into collaborative creative work.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
ChatGPT Pro (GPT-4o architecture)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward the best way to use AI tools to boost creative teamwork in education and business.
What could go wrong
This is a very small, early-stage study with only 16 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The task is artificial and may not reflect real-world creativity.

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The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

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Locations

  • McMaster University

    Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4L8, Canada

    Contact

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