The role of creativity and former math development on mathematical ability in grade 4

Abstract

In this study the relationship between mathematical ability and General Creativity, and the relationship between mathematical ability and Mathematical Creativity has been researched. This study also includes the influence of former mathematical development in this relationship. Data was collected in the fourth grade 4 of 11 schools in a large town in the middle of the Netherlands (N = 148). The data has been analysed with a stepwised multiple regression. The findings indicate that there is not a correlation between general creativity and mathematical ability. But a correlation has been found between mathematical creativity and mathematical ability. When the math scores from grade 2 and 1 are added into the regression analysis, mathematical creativity still plays a substantial role in mathematical ability.