The relationship between mathematical creativity and intelligence: a study on gifted and general education students

Abstract

ABSTRACT Numerous studies have been conducted on the interaction between creativity and intelligence; however, the results of these studies are not consistent. This study aims to understand this interaction by examining the mathematical creativity of gifted and general education students. The sample was collected in Turkey and consists of 176 gifted students, who were selected through intelligence quotient tests and studied in 11 Science and Art Centers (institutions where students identified as gifted receive additional education), and 176 general education students from five schools, who were included in the procedures of the Ministry of National Education to identify gifted students, for the accurate selection of students not identified as gifted. Both groups composed of middle (i.e., junior high and secondary) school students from grades 5th to 8th. The study conducted a survey and used the Mathematical Creativity Scale (MCS) to determine the mathematical creativity of students. The study revealed a statistically significant difference between gifted and general education students in terms of fluency, flexibility, originality, and creativity in Mathematics.