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Creative Thinkers: A Valuable Asset in a Developing Country: Part Two*
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BibTeX
@MISC{Maas_creativethinkers:,
author = {Jeannette P. Maas},
title = {Creative Thinkers: A Valuable Asset in a Developing Country: Part Two*},
year = {}
}
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Abstract
In developing countries, changes in social systems and the breakdown in social structures, coupled with population growth and changing techno-logy, create a large element of unpredictability. This requires the develop-ment of creative potential in people who can adapt to the new, rather than attempting to superimpose any predetermined system. One of the capabilities of the divergent thinker is the ability to deal with new, emergent situations in creative ways. A continuous supply of such thinkers who can develop systems that are inclusive of change is required. A study was performed in 23 secondary schools in Fiji. The Alternative Uses Test and a Background Information Inventory, were administered to 2564 fifth formers (juniors in High School) of the two major ethnic groups (Indian and indigenous Fijians), males and females. Students were separated into divergent, convergent and neither as categories. A larger percentage (31%) of divergent thinkers was identified than convergent (22%) and a still larger number fell into the 'neither' category (47%). Indigenous males produced the greatest number of diver-gent responses, the difference being significant at the 0.01 level. In response to the Background Information Inventory, subjects were compared by groups. A one-way non-orthogonal analysis of variance was carried out. Differences significant at the 0.01 level were found between divergent and some other groups in both parents ' occupation and education. Various reasons for the differences between these findings and those of other studies were hypothesized.
Keyphrases
valuable asset developing country creative thinker background information inventory divergent thinker various reason social structure indigenous male one-way non-orthogonal analysis fifth former creative potential major ethnic group indigenous fijian social system secondary school large element population growth predetermined system creative way diver-gent response alternative us test high school continuous supply emergent situation
