The Effect of Synectics Training on Gifted and Nongifted Kindergarten Students

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of synectics training on the development of creativity, self-concept, and verbal skills of kindergarten students who were gifted and nongifted. The Figural Form of the Torrance Tests of Creativity, the Martinek Zaichkowsky Self-Concept Scale, and the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test were administered as pre- and posttests to 107 subjects. A series of two-way analyses of covariance was used to analyze the effect of synectics training. Significant improvement in creativity scores was found for the experimental groups as compared to the control groups, but not for gifted vs. nongifted children. A post hoc analysis in the level of response for the gifted and nongifted experimental groups showed qualitative differences worthy of future study.