Creativity of Interior Design Students: Understanding the Relationship Between Cognitive Style, Personality Style, Motivational Orientation, and Creativity of Interior Design Students

The present study examined the relationship between cognitive style, personality style, motivational orientation, and creativity of interior design students. Participants included sophomore level students ( N = 51) from interior design programs from three Midwestern universities. Four instruments were used, one each for the four variables. It was anticipated that there would be a significant relationship between the three independent variables and creativity of interior design students. Data analysis included correlation analysis, linear regression analysis, and Chi Square with Fisher's Exact test. Significant relationships were found between creativity and variables of Intrinsic Motivational Orientation, Extrinsic Motivational Orientation subscale of Compensation (EMO-C), and the personality trait of Inquisitiveness. The three variables were also significant predictors of creativity. The results indicated that interior design students tend to be ambitious and are influenced by a need to succeed. In conclusion, there is a need to examine the relationship between Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivational Orientation for creativity in the discipline of interior design. Implications for design education included providing alternative class activities and assessment that foster inquisitiveness, curiosity, and reward creativity.