Exploring Differences in Creativity Across Academic Majors for High-Ability College Students

• In Event: Research on Creativity With an Advanced Population

Abstract

Many current theories and models include creativity as a component of giftedness. The current study explores variation in several aspects of creativity based on academic major for a high ability young adult population. Using data from 432 honors college students at a Midwestern university, a series of one-way ANOVAs suggest significant differences by academic major for creative engagement, creative cognitive style, and fantasy. The pattern of results generally indicates higher creativity among arts and humanities majors, as compared with other disciplines such business, education, and pre-professional training. Potential curricular and experiential reasons for these differences are discussed, along with some implications for educational programming and interventions.

Authors

• Angie L. Miller, Indiana University

• Veronica A Smith, Ball State University