Developmental Dynamics of Children’s Creative Thinking Following Knowledge-Structure Interventions
Longitudinal Evidence from Semantic Network Analysis
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21612239 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Zheng Wang (0000-0003-0758-2202, Shaanxi Normal University), Xinfa Yi (0000-0002-4089-5553, Shaanxi Normal University, corresponding author), Weiping Hu (0000-0002-1607-8713, Shaanxi Normal University, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Pages | 1-26 |
| Publication date | 2026-02-18 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Creativity Research Journal (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1040-0419 • E-ISSN: 1532-6934 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/10400419.2026.2630191 |
| OpenAlex | W7130418327 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 72 |
The structure of semantic networks reflects how knowledge is organized in memory and shapes creative thinking by influencing how concepts are accessed and combined. However, most existing findings are cross-sectional, leaving it unclear how changes in knowledge structures shape corresponding changes in semantic networks and creative development over time. This longitudinal study tested whether optimizing children’s knowledge structures through thinking-based teaching fosters dynamic changes in semantic networks and creative thinking. A total of 108 Chinese elementary students participated (44 girls and 64 boys; M = 9.85 years, SD = 0.50) in the intervention and pre-post changes in creativity and semantic network measures were examined using paired-sample t-tests and regression analyses. Results indicated that students receiving the intervention showed significant gains in fluency, flexibility, and originality compared with controls (t = 2.48, p = .015), and a follow-up study confirmed longitudinal improvements in semantic network efficiency and creativity (t = 3.90, p < .001). Regression analyses indicated that baseline cognitive flexibility and originality jointly predicted gains in originality (F(2, 42) = 6.46, p = .0036, R2 = .235). Overall, findings provide longitudinal, intervention-based evidence that optimizing knowledge structures reorganizes semantic networks and supports improvements in creative thinking
Cognition · Convergent thinking · Creative problem-solving · Creative thinking · Creativity · Divergent thinking · Semantic network · Child and Animal Learning Development · Creativity in Education and Neuroscience · Innovative Teaching and Learning Methods
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| Unique citing works | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 1 |
| Citation span | 2026 - 2026 (1) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 1 |