Creativity in preschoolers : the effect of product-based program across culture and socioeconomic status

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the effect of product-based program on creativity of 72 preschoolers (Mage = 4.03, SD = 0.51) and compared differences across Australian and Thai cultures and within Thai culture in relation to socioeconomic status. Twenty-four participants were recruited for a study of 2 (viewing vs. no viewing) x 3 (Australian, high-socioeconomic status Thai, low-socioeconomic status Thai) between-group factorial design. In both viewing conditions, participants were provided with some Lego toys and pictures used to fill in the story line plotted by the experimenter. Inconsistent with the hypothesis, viewing condition did not affect creativity. Contrary to the prediction, creativity in high-socioeconomic status Thai sample was higher than that of Australian sample. Incongruent with the hypothesis, the effect of viewing condition was not differ within Thai sample. Our results highlight the potential influence of culture on the development of creativity in young children. The strengths and limitations of the current research are discussed as well as implications for future studies.