First-Year Engineering Student Domain-Specific Spatial and Creative Skills in Design

• In Event: 53.082 - Poster Session 10
  In Poster Session: 53.082-3 - Special Topics in Engineering and Computer Science: Engineering Design, Computational Thinking, and Assessment

Abstract

Spatial and creative skills are two essential proficiencies necessary for successful engineering design. The present study investigated the relationship between domain-specific spatial and creative skills associated with the domain of engineering among first-year engineering students. The purpose was to understand how spatial and creative skill, and conceptions of engineering creativity, contribute to how first-year engineering students solve an ill-structured design problem. Findings suggest paper folding and surface development skills significantly correlated with design task creativity in males; however, no relationship existed among females. Gender differences in spatial ability appeared, with males scoring significantly higher, on mental rotations and perspective taking assessments. Also, participants conflated engineering creativity with artistic creativity.

Author

• Jaclyn K. Murray, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor