The Relationship Between Intelligence and Creativity Within the Threshold Theory Among Gifted and Bright Secondary School Students in Turkey

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between the intelligence and creativity scores of gifted and bright students according to the Threshold Theory.1155 students participated in the study. Students are at the secondary school level. There are seven different regions in Turkey. The sample consists of participants from the largest provinces of the regions. The Wisc-R intelligence test and Torrance Creative Thinking Test (TTCT) were used. Data were collected over a decade between 2012 and 2022. The obtained data were tested according to the Threshold Theory. The relationship between intelligence and creativity was studied based on different intelligence score ranges. A significant relationship was found between the intelligence and creativity scores of the bright students. It was determined that there is a positive and significant ( r = .725, p < .001) correlation between intelligence and creativity scores of children ( n = 432) with bright intelligence (120–129). In the findings obtained, no significant correlation was found between giftedness and creativity scores of the gifted and profoundly gifted students. No significant correlation was found between intelligence and creativity scores ( r = .051, p > .05) of gifted children ( n = 581). No significant correlation was found between intelligence and creativity scores ( r = .062, p > .05) of children ( n = 142) with profoundly gifted intelligence (146–160). The result of this study confirmed the Threshold Theory.