2016 Annual Conference

Based on a new study of the relationship between creativity and learning style preference, findings confirmed previous findings indicating that there is not a significant relationship between the two. Findings for the study do introduce the possibility of a relationship between creativity and age as a regression toward the mean.

This presentation would be of interest to those who would like new insights into the creative process in adults. As creativity is a significant component of the human experience, knowledge of this process can assist in a variety of settings. This would include environments dedicated to the adult learner. Teachers and facilitators who work with adults would find value in a deeper understanding of creativity as it manifests itself and evolves through adulthood.

This session is based on original research investigating the relationship between creativity, learning styles, and age. Through the use of accepted research methods, findings indicated that there was no significant relationship between creativity and learning style preference. This confirms the findings of several previous studies. The findings of this study also revealed the possibility of a new understanding of the relationship between creativity and aging. The findings indicated that while measurable outcomes were widespread for adults 21 years of age through 29 years of age, measurable outcomes began to settle toward the mean as the aging process continued. Starting in the early 30's, scores began to narrow. By the mid-40's, creativity scores were centered narrowly around the mean. This would appear to indicate that as adults age, regardless of their measured creativity abilities in early adulthood (highest and lowest scores were found in this age-range), the measurable creative abilities of adults evolve toward a standard level of achievement. Several deductions could be made from the findings to explain the phenomenon. These findings could be significant in the understanding of the creative process and how it manifests itself at various stages of adulthood.