Analysis of creativity among university students. Differences depending on gender, age, and choice of studies

Abstract

This study examines creativity among university students and the differences that may arise due to gender, age and choice of studies. Differences are derived from a creativity and positive emotion-based intervention in the classroom. We use a quasi-experimental design with a pre-test and post-test. The sample consisted of 206 undergraduate and professional training students, divided into an experimental (n = 97) and a control group (n = 104). The instrument of measurement used was the CREA test (Corbalán et al., 2003). The results found an increase in student creativity after the intervention program. However, statistically significant differences were found between the two forms of the CREA test (A and B). Significant differences were also observed according to gender, with women demonstrating more creativity than men on the pre-test and post-test of the CREA test form B. In reference to age, the youngest students (under 20 years old) showed more creativity on the pre-test and post-test of form B of the CREA test. Finally, regarding choice of studies, data reveals that education sector students have a higher creativity index than students who did not belong to the education sector, before and after positive emotion intervention, on form B of the CREA test. We discuss these results for their great interest in educational change, in relation to skill development within universities and how equal opportunities and employability could be increased in 2020.