Work

Mathematical Creativity: A Combination of Domain‐general Creative and Domain‐specific Mathematical Skills

Year: 2018

Type: article

Abstract: Creativity is an understudied topic in elementary school mathematics research. Nevertheless, we argue that creativity plays an important role in mathematics, but that more research is needed to understand this relation. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate this relation, specifically between domain‐general creativity, domain‐specific mathematical creativity, and mathematical ability. Measures for these constructs were administered to 342 Dutch fourth graders. In order to examine the nature of the relation between creativity and mathematics, two competing models were tested, using Structural Equation Modeling. The results indicated that models in which general creativity and mathematical ability both predict mathematical creativity fitted the data better than models in which mathematical and general creativity predict mathematical ability. This study showed that both general creativity and mathematical ability are important to think creatively in mathematics.

Source: The Journal of Creative Behavior

DOI: 10.1002/jocb.361

Authors: Eveline M. Schoevers, Evelyn H. Kroesbergen, Maria Kattou

Institutions: Utrecht University, Radboud University Nijmegen

Language: English

Topic: Creativity in Education and Neuroscience

Subfield: Experimental and Cognitive Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,900