Relationships Between Creativity and Cognitive Abilities in the Educational Context of Saudi Arabia

• In Event: 56.048 - Cognitive and Noncognitive Assessment

Abstract

This study examined relationships between creativity and cognitive abilities of students from 3rd to 11th grades in Saudi Arabia. Differential effects of grade level in such relationships were found, with substantial changes after 5th grade. Gender differences were examined because of the particular role of gender in the cultural and education context in Saudi Arabia. Females outperformed males on factors of creativity, but there were no gender differences on factors of cognitive abilities. The study findings can help in promoting education with an emphasis on nurturing students’ thinking skills and creativity. The proposed methodology can be useful in future research on cross cross-validation of the findings beyond the sociocultural and education context in Saudi Arabia.

Authors

• Khaleel Al-Harbi, National Center for Assessment, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

• Dimiter M. Dimitrov, George Mason University

• Abdullah M. Aljughaiman, King Faisal University