Research Interests

I am studying for a full-time PhD in Psychology using experimental methods to investigate creative
thinking. Specifically I am testing the idea that the ability to flexibly switch between analytic (or
convergent) and associative (or divergent) modes of thought is a characteristic of more creative
individuals in fields such as design. My research is supported by a departmental bursary from the
School of Psychology at Surrey. I am part of the enhancing thinking research group.

Before coming to Surrey I completed an MRes at the University of Strathclyde where I conducted
research into the effects of exercise on cognitive functioning. I completed my undergraduate degree
at Edinburgh carrying out research for my final year dissertation into suggestibility and compliance in
a forensic setting.

I am a student member of Division 10 of the American Psychological Society- The Society for the
Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts. I was awarded the prize for best presentation at
the Division 10 student showcase at the 2012 APA annual convention in Orlando.

My PhD supervisor is Dr Paul Sowden

Publications

Pringle, A. (2011). Shifting between modes of thought: A mechanism underlying creative
performance? ACM: Creativity and Cognition 2011, 467-468.

Baxter, J.S., Bain, S.A., Pringle, A., Fowler, H., & Tafili, T. (in press). Opposing determinants of
compliance and interrogative suggestibility. To appear in: Personality and Individual Differences.

Teaching

I undertake demonstrating and tutoring work on the undergraduate Psychology programme.

Selected Presentations

Pringle, A. & Sowden, P.T. (2012). Shifting between modes of thought: A mechanism underlying
creative performance? Student showcase presentation and Poster at Division 10 of the APA annual
convention in Orlando, Florida.

Pringle, A. & Sowden, P.T. (2011). Shifting between modes of thought: A mechanism underlying
creative performance? Graduate student symposium presentation and Poster at ACM: Creativity and
Cognition in Atlanta, Georgia.