Exploring adversity quotient as determinant of mathematical creative thinking in problem solving

Source abstract

This study aims to explore how different Adversity Quotient (AQ) typologies are reflected in students' mathematical creative thinking processes during mathematical problem solving. It employed a descriptive case study design involving 23 third-semester students of the Faculty of Tarbiyah, Ibrahimy University. Data were collected through an Adversity Response Profile (ARP) questionnaire, a creative thinking test instrument, in-depth interviews, and documentation. Data were analysed through data reduction, data display, and inductive conclusion drawing. The results showed that the students' AQ profiles consisted of quitters (26%), campers (61%), and climbers (13%). Correspondingly, their creative thinking achievement varied across high (35%), medium (48%), and low (17%) levels. In-depth analysis revealed that AQ typology was closely associated with distinct characteristics of creativity: quitter students were dominant in the fluency criterion but limited in their problem-solving procedures; camper students were able to satisfy the flexibility criterion by fulfilling all problem-solving indicators, albeit in less detail; and climber students demonstrated high determination in the originality criterion, with the ability to complete all problem-solving indicators comprehensively and in detail. These findings suggest that strengthening psychological aspects, such as persistence, is crucial for optimising students' creative cognitive performance. The study contributes a framework integrating AQ typology, creative thinking indicators, and Polya's problem-solving stages; practically, it informs the design of tasks that build conceptual mastery and academic resilience together.