Predicting Creativity Dimensions Based on Goal Orientations in Mathematics among Students of Schools for the Gifted and Talented, Public Schools for High Achievers, and Ordinary Public Schools

The purpose of this descriptive-correlational study is to investigate the relationship between goal orientations in mathematics and dimensions of creativity among students of schools for the gifted and talented, public schools for high achieving students, and ordinary public schools. To this end, 410 high school junior students (216 girls and 194 boys) are selected by stratified-cluster sampling. Mathematics Goal Orientations Scale and Multiple-Choice Paper-Pencil Questionnaire of Creativity are used as measuring instruments. The components of Mathematics Goal Orientations Scale include mastery goal-orientation, performance-approach goal-orientation, and performance-avoidance goal-orientation. Fluency, elaboration, originality, and flexibility are the four dimensions of Multiple-Choice Paper-Pencil Questionnaire of Creativity. Previous investigations in Iran have revealed validity and reliability of these instruments. Also, internal validity of these instruments is confirmed in the present study. The results are indicative of positive correlations between mastery goal-orientation, performance-approach goal-orientation and dimensions of creativity. In contrast, there is a negative relationship between performance-avoidance goal-orientation and dimensions of creativity. Multiple regression analysis revealed that mastery goal-orientation is the most important predictor of creativity dimensions and total creativity. Also, performance-approach goal-orientation positively predicted flexibility of creation. Increase in performance-avoidance goal-orientation reduces creativity in terms of fluency. This investigation revealed that students of regular public schools, achievers are less mastery goal-oriented compared to students of public schools for high. In contrast, these students are more performance-avoidance goal-oriented compared to high achievers. In addition, students of schools for the gifted and talented and public schools for high achievers are more fluent in thinking. Students of public schools for high achievers showed more fluency and elaboration in comparison with students of ordinary public schools.