Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 27, 2026
Problem-Solving Before Instruction PS-I: A Protocol for Assessment and Intervention in Students with Different Abilities
Published on: September 11, 2021
Impact of a play-based intervention on creativity and cognitive flexibility measures in primary education students in
Evelyn Cordero1, J Amaro-Fuenzalida2, Valeska Cid3
1Fundación Arrebol, Chile.
Introduction:
This study evaluates the impact of a play-based intervention focused on cognitive flexibility and divergent thinking on children's creativity outcomes in third-grade students.
Method:
A total of 249 (123 girls, 126 boys; mean age = 8.08 years; SD = 0.27; range: 8-9 years) from three state-subsidized schools in Antofagasta, Chile, participated. Within each school, intact classrooms were randomly assigned to the experimental or control condition. The experimental group participated in a 14-session workshop involving play-based activities designed to train cognitive flexibility (e.g., Fantasma Blitz dynamics and variants), along with storytelling and improvisation exercises, while the control groups continued with their usual classes. Cognitive flexibility was assessed individually before and after the intervention using the Yellow-Red subtest ("Trios"). Creativity was assessed after the intervention using the Creative Imagination Test for Children (PIC-N), yielding narrative, graphic, and overall creativity scores.
Data Analysis:
Given the lack of normality in some indicators, aligned rank transform (ART) ANOVA was used. Creativity outcomes (PIC-N; post-test) were analyzed with a two-way Group × School model, and cognitive flexibility ("Trios") was analyzed with a two-way Group × Time (pre-post) model.
Results:
The experimental group showed significantly higher narrative creativity than the control group (p < 0.01). Cognitive flexibility increased significantly from pre- to post-test in both groups (p < 0.05). Differences in creativity scores were also observed across schools.
Conclusions:
A structured, play-based intervention was effective in enhancing children's narrative creativity and cognitive flexibility. These findings support incorporating play-based programs targeting executive functions to strengthen creativity in primary education.
More Related Videos
05:48The Adventures of Fundi Intervention Based on the Cognitive and Emotional Processing in Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Patients
Published on: June 12, 2020
07:26Assessment of Stress Effects on Cognitive Flexibility using an Operant Strategy Shifting Paradigm
Published on: May 4, 2020
Related Concept Videos
01:21Cognitive Learning
E. C. Tolman's theory of purposive behavior emphasizes that much behavior is goal-directed. He argued that to understand behavior, we must look at the entire sequence of actions leading to a goal. For instance, high school students study hard, not just due to past reinforcement but also to achieve the goal of getting into a good college.
Tolman introduced the idea that behavior is influenced by...
01:25Creative Thinking
Divergent thinking is the...
01:24Social Foundations of Self I: Play and Game
01:29The Influence of Affect on Cognition
01:30Community Based Intervention
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
01:30Information Processing Approach