Leiden University Student Repository

Brandt, Jessica (2021)

The contribution of updating, inhibition and shifting on different components of mathematical creativity in children

Bachelor thesis | Psychologie (BSc)

Mathematics is the least promoted domain concerning creativity in primary school. Considering the benefits it has when correctly implemented, more research on the nature of the processes that underlie mathematical creativity in children is needed. This study has attempted to examine the contribution that the executive functions of updating, inhibition and shifting make on fluency, originality and flexibility concerning mathematical creativity in primary school children. The sample consisted of 305 participants between eight and thirteen years. Through multiple regression analyses, it was found that updating played a major role in all three creativity components. Inhibition only predicted fluency and shifting did not predict any components. This is the first study to show the disproportionate contribution of children’s executive functions on mathematical creativity. Future research should take this into account when trying to promote mathematical creativity in the classroom.

Author

Brandt, Jessica

Faculty

Faculty of Social & Behavioural Sciences

Supervisors

Stolte, M.

ECTS Credits

15

Evaluation

Recommended

Language

en