Journal of Intelligence

18 pages, 1265 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Mediating Role of Emotional Intelligence in the Relationship Between Parental Overprotection and Offspring’s Physical Health in Adulthood

by Huanhua Lu, Yawen Zhao, Zaina Jianaer and Ruihan Chen

J. Intell. 2026, 14(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence14010001 - 22 Dec 2025

Abstract

Parental overprotection before adulthood can have enduring consequences for offspring, yet the mechanisms underlying its association with adult physical health are not fully understood. This study proposes trait emotional intelligence (trait-EI) as a pivotal mediating factor in this relationship. A sample of 459 [...] Read more.

Parental overprotection before adulthood can have enduring consequences for offspring, yet the mechanisms underlying its association with adult physical health are not fully understood. This study proposes trait emotional intelligence (trait-EI) as a pivotal mediating factor in this relationship. A sample of 459 university students (mean age = 22.42 years, SD = 1.43; 50.3% female, 49.7% male) completed measures assessing their recalled parental overprotection, trait-EI and physical health. Results from regression and mediation analyses revealed that parental overprotection was significantly negatively associated with both overall trait-EI and physical health. Critically, trait-EI was found to be a significant mediator, indicating that overprotective parenting impedes the development of trait-EI, which in turn translates into poorer health outcomes. Further analysis of the facets of trait-EI demonstrated that the intrapersonal and stress management dimensions were unique contributors to physical health, whereas interpersonal and adaptability skills were not. What’s more, a moderated mediation analysis showed that gender significantly moderated the pathway from parental overprotection to trait-EI, with the negative effect of overprotection on trait-EI being substantially stronger for male than for female offspring. These findings underscore the role of trait-EI as a central psychological mechanism translating early parenting experiences into long-term physical health and point to the need for gender-sensitive approaches in preventive health interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Social and Emotional Intelligence)

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24 pages, 1981 KB

Open AccessArticle

Determinants of Trust: Evidence from Elementary School Classrooms

by Roberto Araya and Pablo González-Vicente

J. Intell. 2025, 13(12), 165; https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence13120165 - 15 Dec 2025

Abstract

Emotional intelligence (EI), specifically the capacity to recognize and understand one’s own emotions and those of others, is pivotal for developing the interpersonal skills that foster effective collaboration. This is especially crucial for developing trust in others, which serves as the necessary foundation [...] Read more.

Emotional intelligence (EI), specifically the capacity to recognize and understand one’s own emotions and those of others, is pivotal for developing the interpersonal skills that foster effective collaboration. This is especially crucial for developing trust in others, which serves as the necessary foundation for functioning in our increasingly impersonal contemporary society. Although extensive research has been conducted on trust in adults, empirical evidence for children remains limited. Quantifying the extent to which trust exists in young children, whether it differs from trust in adults, and how it changes with age, gender, and various psychological and school culture factors is essential for understanding how educational environments can foster its development. In this article, we analyze trust among almost 3000 fourth-grade children from 135 schools, measured based on behaviors exhibited during a Public Goods Game. The results align with other studies, showing that trust is substantially higher towards the in-group (classmates) than the out-group. A notable gender effect was observed, with boys exhibiting significantly higher levels of trust than girls. Trust was also higher in municipal schools compared to state-subsidized private schools. Personality traits, measured via the Big Five model using the Pictorial Personality Traits Questionnaire for Children (PPTQ-C), also emerged as influential. Specifically, elevated levels of Agreeableness and Conscientiousness predicted increased trust in both in-groups and out-groups. Extraversion and Openness to Experience also played a role, although to a lesser extent. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Cognition and Emotions)

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18 pages, 1474 KB

Open AccessArticle

Early Childhood Education and Care Enhances Cognitive Performance in Later Adolescence Through Non-Cognitive Skills Development and Reduced Truancy

by Ji Liu, Millicent Aziku and Dahman Tahri

J. Intell. 2025, 13(12), 164; https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence13120164 - 15 Dec 2025

Abstract

Prior studies have examined associations between early childhood education and care (ECEC) and cognitive performance in later adolescence. However, little is known about the role of non-cognitive skills development and truancy in this link. To address this gap, the current study investigates how [...] Read more.

Prior studies have examined associations between early childhood education and care (ECEC) and cognitive performance in later adolescence. However, little is known about the role of non-cognitive skills development and truancy in this link. To address this gap, the current study investigates how non-cognitive skills and truancy mediate the link between ECEC and cognitive performance among 15-year-old students (N = 550,818), leveraging the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2022 dataset. Findings indicate that ECEC directly and positively influences non-cognitive skills development and cognitive performance. Non-cognitive skills development is negatively associated with truancy and positively influences cognitive performance. An inverse relationship was found between truancy and cognitive performance. Analyzing this relationship based on gender, it was observed that female students benefited more from ECEC compared to their male counterparts. These results imply that the provision of ECEC may reap substantial social equity benefits. Full article

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26 pages, 1255 KB

Open AccessArticle

Developmental Trajectories of Transcription and Oral Language Skills in Kindergarten Students: The Influence of Executive Functions and Home Literacy Practices

by Jennifer Balade, Cristina Rodríguez and Juan E. Jiménez

J. Intell. 2025, 13(12), 163; https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence13120163 - 13 Dec 2025

Abstract

This study investigates the developmental trajectories of transcription and oral language skills in kindergarten students over the course of an academic year, with a focus on the influence of executive functions (EF) and home literacy practices (HLP). Hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) analyses revealed [...] Read more.

This study investigates the developmental trajectories of transcription and oral language skills in kindergarten students over the course of an academic year, with a focus on the influence of executive functions (EF) and home literacy practices (HLP). Hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) analyses revealed significant growth in transcription skills, with both EF and independent home literacy practices positively influencing baseline transcription scores. The interaction between independent home literacy practices and formal literacy practices at home further enhanced transcription skill development. In contrast, oral language skills were not influenced by either HLP or EF. These results suggest that EF plays a more prominent role in transcription development than oral language skills in early childhood, especially in transparent orthographic systems. The findings highlight the importance of cognitive and environmental factors in early literacy development, suggesting implications for educational practices, particularly in fostering effective home literacy environments Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cognitive, Emotional, and Social Skills in Students)

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24 pages, 2445 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

From Practice to Reflection: A Systematic Review of Mechanisms Driving Metacognition and SRL in Music

by Yinghui Wang, Mengqi Zhang, Huasen Zhang, Xin Shan and Xiaofei Du

J. Intell. 2025, 13(12), 162; https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence13120162 - 9 Dec 2025

Abstract

Metacognition and self-regulated learning (SRL) are widely recognized as key mechanisms for academic achievement and skill development, yet in music education they have rarely been examined through explicit instructional interventions to enable causal testing and effect evaluation. To address this gap, this study [...] Read more.

Metacognition and self-regulated learning (SRL) are widely recognized as key mechanisms for academic achievement and skill development, yet in music education they have rarely been examined through explicit instructional interventions to enable causal testing and effect evaluation. To address this gap, this study followed PRISMA guidelines and conducted a systematic review of 31 studies (including seven for meta-analysis) to identify intervention types and mechanisms, and to quantify their overall effects and moderating factors. Results indicate the following: (1) the intervention ecology is grounded in structured learning support (SLS), frequently combined with strategy teaching (ST) or technology-enhanced interventions (TEI), with full integration concentrated at the university level. (2) The mechanisms operate primarily along four pathways: structure facilitates a “plan–practice–reflection” loop, strategy instruction makes tacit experience explicit, technological feedback provides a third-person perspective, and teacher support stabilizes motivation. (3) The meta-analysis revealed a significant positive medium effect overall. (4) Intervention structure moderated outcomes, though not as a single or stable determinant. (5) Effects followed a U-shaped pattern across educational stages, strongest in secondary school, followed by university, and weaker in preschool and primary. Future research should employ proximal, task-aligned measures, conduct parallel multi-indicator assessments within the same stage, and expand evidence for multi-mechanism integration in primary and secondary school contexts. Experimental designs manipulating levels of SLS are needed to test whether ST + TEI remain effective under low-structure conditions, thereby identifying the minimum structural threshold. Extending samples to informal and professional music learners would further enhance robustness and generalizability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metacognition and Self-Regulated Learning in Diverse Educational Contexts)

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21 pages, 2065 KB

Open AccessArticle

Reading and Writing Abilities in Students with Mild Nonspecific Intellectual Disability: A Multivariate Examination of Literacy and Cognitive Processing Abilities

by Urszula Sajewicz-Radtke, Ariadna Beata Łada-Maśko, Paweł Jurek, Michał Olech and Bartosz Mikołaj Radtke

J. Intell. 2025, 13(12), 161; https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence13120161 - 8 Dec 2025

Abstract

Individuals with mild nonspecific intellectual disability (NSID) often exhibit delayed literacy development. Unfortunately, how cognitive–linguistic processing profiles influence literacy in this population lacks clarity. This study investigated literacy development in this population, considering the cognitive–linguistic mechanisms. The Specialist Battery for the Diagnosis of [...] Read more.

Individuals with mild nonspecific intellectual disability (NSID) often exhibit delayed literacy development. Unfortunately, how cognitive–linguistic processing profiles influence literacy in this population lacks clarity. This study investigated literacy development in this population, considering the cognitive–linguistic mechanisms. The Specialist Battery for the Diagnosis of Cognitive Abilities and School Skills was used to assess cognitive–linguistic abilities and literacy-related skills in 122 participants. Fuzzy C-means clustering was used to identify processing profiles. Developmental age equivalents in literacy were estimated using local regression models and matched comparisons with typically developing peers. Two cognitive–linguistic profiles emerged: globally weaker and moderately developed. Those with NSID performed significantly lower than their peers in all domains. Their literacy skills aligned with those of children 2–4 years younger, and plateaued after age 15. Cognitive–linguistic heterogeneity in students with NSID should guide targeted literacy interventions. The findings inform ICD-11 educational expectations for individuals with mild NSID. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intelligence Testing and Its Role in Academic Achievement)

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21 pages, 2817 KB

Open AccessReview

Does Generative Artificial Intelligence Improve Students’ Higher-Order Thinking? A Meta-Analysis Based on 29 Experiments and Quasi-Experiments

by Yan Zhao, Yuhe Yue, Zhonghua Sun, Qiang Jiang and Gangsheng Li

J. Intell. 2025, 13(12), 160; https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence13120160 - 5 Dec 2025

Abstract

The widespread application of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen-AI) is transforming educational practices and driving pedagogical innovation. While cultivating higher-order thinking (HOT) represents a central educational goal, its achievement remains an ongoing challenge. Current evidence regarding the impact of Gen-AI on HOT is relatively [...] Read more.

The widespread application of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen-AI) is transforming educational practices and driving pedagogical innovation. While cultivating higher-order thinking (HOT) represents a central educational goal, its achievement remains an ongoing challenge. Current evidence regarding the impact of Gen-AI on HOT is relatively fragmented, lacking systematic integration, particularly in the analysis of moderating variables. To address this gap, a meta-analysis approach was employed, integrating data from 29 experimental and quasi-experimental studies to quantitatively assess the overall impact of Gen-AI on learners’ HOT and to examine potential moderating factors. The analysis revealed that Gen-AI exerts a moderate positive effect on HOT, with the most significant improvement observed in problem-solving abilities, followed by critical thinking, while its effect on creativity is relatively limited. Moderation analyses further indicated that the impact of Gen-AI is significantly influenced by experimental duration and learners’ self-regulated learning (SRL) abilities: effects were strongest when interventions lasted 8–16 weeks, and learners with higher SRL capacities benefited more substantially. Based on the research findings, this study proposed that Gen-AI should be systematically integrated as a targeted instructional tool to foster HOT. Medium- to long-term interventions (8–16 weeks) are recommended to enhance learners’ problem-solving and critical thinking abilities. At the same time, effective approaches should also be explored to promote creative thinking through Gen-AI within existing pedagogical frameworks. Furthermore, individual learner differences should be accounted for by adopting dynamic and personalized scaffolding strategies to foster SRL, thereby maximizing the educational potential of Gen-AI in cultivating innovative talents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances of AI in Talent Development: Synergies Between Creativity, Cognitive Intelligence, and Socio-Emotional Growth)

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24 pages, 3980 KB

Open AccessArticle

Bridging Text and Speech for Emotion Understanding: An Explainable Multimodal Transformer Fusion Framework with Unified Audio–Text Attribution

by Ashutosh Pandey, Jasmeet Singh and Maninder Kaur

J. Intell. 2025, 13(12), 159; https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence13120159 - 3 Dec 2025

Abstract

Conversational interactions, rich in both linguistic and vocal cues, provide a natural context for studying these processes. In this work, we propose an explainable multimodal transformer framework that integrates textual semantics (via RoBERTa) and acoustic prosody (via WavLM) to advance emotion understanding. By [...] Read more.

Conversational interactions, rich in both linguistic and vocal cues, provide a natural context for studying these processes. In this work, we propose an explainable multimodal transformer framework that integrates textual semantics (via RoBERTa) and acoustic prosody (via WavLM) to advance emotion understanding. By projecting both modalities into a shared latent space, our model captures the complementary contributions of language and speech to affective communication, achieving an 0.83 accuracy value across five emotion categories. Crucially, we embed explainable AI (XAI) techniques including Integrated Gradients and Occlusion to attribute predictions to specific linguistic tokens and prosodic patterns, thereby aligning computational mechanisms with human cognitive processes of emotion perception. Beyond performance gains, this work demonstrates how multimodal AI systems can support transparent, human-centered emotion recognition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Cognition and Emotions)

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26 pages, 1159 KB

Open AccessArticle

Teachers’ Emotional Commitment: The Emotional Bond That Sustains Teaching

by Olena Kostiv, Antonio F. Rodríguez-Hernández and Jonathan Delgado Hernández

J. Intell. 2025, 13(12), 158; https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence13120158 - 2 Dec 2025

Abstract

This study introduces and validates the construct of Teacher Emotional Commitment (CED), understood as the conative–behavioral dimension that characterizes the emotional bond that teachers establish with their students. To this end, two complementary studies were conducted in the Autonomous Community of the Canary [...] Read more.

This study introduces and validates the construct of Teacher Emotional Commitment (CED), understood as the conative–behavioral dimension that characterizes the emotional bond that teachers establish with their students. To this end, two complementary studies were conducted in the Autonomous Community of the Canary Islands (Spain), with the aim of: to empirically isolate the factorial structure of CED and differentiating it from related constructs, such as empathy; to analyze its presence in both active teachers and those in initial training; and to test the theoretical model’s validity by expanding the sample and enlarging the response scale. Study 1 involved 854 practicing teachers and 701 teachers in training, following a validation process that included exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, as well as item response theory models. The results showed a four-factor structure: loving proactivity, teacher compassion, instructional commitment, and communicative affectivity, with adequate reliability and discriminant validity indices with respect to empathy. Study 2, with an expanded sample of 2096 participants, confirmed the robustness of the model. The findings allow us to consider CED as a psychological competence that can be trained, with relevant implications for improving the educational relationship, student learning, and the emotional well-being of teachers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Cognition and Emotions)

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30 pages, 2224 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

From Evidence to Insight: An Umbrella Review of Computational Thinking Research Syntheses

by Jin Zhang, Yaxin Wu, Yimin Ning and Yafei Shi

J. Intell. 2025, 13(12), 157; https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence13120157 - 2 Dec 2025

Abstract

This study reviews 33 meta-analyses and systematic reviews on Computational Thinking (CT), focusing on research quality, intervention effectiveness, and content. Quality assessment of included studies was conducted using the AMSTAR 2 tool. The meta-analysis achieved an average score of 10.9 (a total of [...] Read more.

This study reviews 33 meta-analyses and systematic reviews on Computational Thinking (CT), focusing on research quality, intervention effectiveness, and content. Quality assessment of included studies was conducted using the AMSTAR 2 tool. The meta-analysis achieved an average score of 10.9 (a total of 16 points), while systematic reviews scored an average of 6.1 (a total of 11 points). The 15 meta-analyses showed diverse intervention strategies. Project-based learning, text-based programming, and game-based learning demonstrate more pronounced effects in terms of effect size and practical outcomes. Curricular integration, robotics programming, and unplugged strategies offered additional value in certain contexts. Gender and disciplinary background were stable moderators, while grade level and educational stage had more conditional effects. Intervention duration, sample size, instructional tools, and assessment methods were also significant moderators in several studies. The 18 systematic reviews used a five-layer framework based on ecological systems theory, covering educational context (microsystem), tools and strategies (mesosystem), social support (exosystem), macro-level characteristics (macrosystem), and CT development (chronosystem). Future research should focus on standardizing meta-analyses, unifying effect size indicators, and strengthening longitudinal studies with cognitive network analysis. Additionally, systematic reviews should improve evidence credibility by integrating textual synthesis and data-driven reasoning to reduce redundancy and homogeneity. Full article

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27 pages, 1141 KB

Open AccessHypothesis

Ctrl + Alt + Inner Speech: A Verbal–Cognitive Scaffold (VCS) Model of Pathways to Computational Thinking

by Daisuke Akiba

J. Intell. 2025, 13(12), 156; https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence13120156 - 2 Dec 2025

Abstract

This theoretical paper introduces the Verbal–Cognitive Scaffold (VCS) Model, a cognitively inclusive framework which proposes the cognitive architectures underlying computational thinking (CT). Moving beyond monolithic theories of cognition (e.g., executive-function and metacognitive control models), the VCS Model posits inner speech (InSp) as the [...] Read more.

This theoretical paper introduces the Verbal–Cognitive Scaffold (VCS) Model, a cognitively inclusive framework which proposes the cognitive architectures underlying computational thinking (CT). Moving beyond monolithic theories of cognition (e.g., executive-function and metacognitive control models), the VCS Model posits inner speech (InSp) as the predominant cognitive pathway supporting CT operations in neurotypical populations. Synthesizing interdisciplinary scholarship across cognitive science, computational theory, neurodiversity research, and others, this framework articulates distinct mechanisms through which InSp supports CT. The model specifies four primary pathways linking InSp to CT components: verbal working memory supporting decomposition, symbolic representation facilitating pattern recognition and abstraction, sequential processing enabling algorithmic thinking, and dialogic self-questioning enhancing debugging processes. Crucially, the model posits these verbally mediated pathways as modal rather than universal. Although non-verbal architectures are acknowledged as possible alternative routes, their precise mechanisms remain underspecified in the existing literature and, therefore, are not the focus of the current theoretical exploration. Given this context, this manuscript focuses on the well-documented verbal support provided by InSp. The VCS Model’s theoretical contributions include the following: (1) specification of nuanced cognitive support systems where distinct InSp functions selectively enable particular CT operations; (2) generation of empirically testable predictions regarding aptitude–pathway interactions in computational training and performance; and (3) compatibility with future empirical efforts to inquire into neurodivergent strategies that may diverge from verbal architectures, while acknowledging that these alternatives remain underexplored. Individual variations in InSp phenomenology are theorized to predict distinctive patterns of CT engagement. This comprehensive framework, thus, elaborates and extends existing verbal mediation theories by specifying how InSp supports and enables CT, while laying the groundwork for possible future inquiry into alternative, non-verbal cognitive pathways. Full article

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15 pages, 798 KB

Open AccessArticle

Psychometric Properties of the Pre-Literacy Test: Assessing Literacy Readiness Skills

by Muhammet Baştuğ

J. Intell. 2025, 13(12), 155; https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence13120155 - 2 Dec 2025

Abstract

This study examined the psychometric properties of the Pre-Literacy Test, developed to measure the literacy readiness skills of children who have completed preschool education. Using a quantitative, multistage design, the study was conducted with a total of 5966 children aged 6–7 who were [...] Read more.

This study examined the psychometric properties of the Pre-Literacy Test, developed to measure the literacy readiness skills of children who have completed preschool education. Using a quantitative, multistage design, the study was conducted with a total of 5966 children aged 6–7 who were about to enter elementary school in the 2024–2025 academic year (N₁ = 1911; N₂ = 1644; N₃ = 2411). Exploratory Factor Analysis revealed a three-factor structure—Reading Skills, Writing Skills (Dictation), and Writing Skills (Copying)—which explained 82.38% of the total variance. Confirmatory Factor Analysis demonstrated that this structure showed an acceptable model fit (CFI = 0.997, TLI = 0.997, SRMR = 0.030, RMSEA = 0.111). The internal consistency coefficients (α = 0.891–0.962; ω = 0.912–0.983) and convergent validity values (AVE = 0.867–0.949) of the PLT were found to be high. Discriminant validity was confirmed according to the Fornell–Larcker criterion, and measurement invariance across gender was supported through Multigroup Confirmatory Factor Analysis. Item analyses indicated that most test items were of moderate difficulty (mean difficulty = 0.409) and high discrimination (mean discrimination = 0.516). In conclusion, the PLT was determined to be a psychometrically robust, valid, and reliable instrument for assessing basic literacy skills prior to elementary school entry. These findings suggest that the test can be confidently used in early literacy research and school readiness assessments. Full article

14 pages, 1009 KB

Open AccessArticle

Validation of International Cognitive Ability Resource (ICAR) Implemented in Mobile Toolbox (MTB)

by Stephanie Ruth Young, Jiwon Kim, Kiley McKee, Danielle Rothschild Doyle, Miriam A. Novack, William Revelle, Richard Gershon and Elizabeth M. Dworak

J. Intell. 2025, 13(12), 154; https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence13120154 - 1 Dec 2025

Abstract

Standardized cognitive assessments are essential in research but often limited by proprietary restrictions and methodological constraints. This study evaluates the psychometric properties of two public-domain International Cognitive Ability Resource (ICAR) measures implemented in the Mobile Toolbox (MTB) assessment library: Puzzle Completion and Block [...] Read more.

Standardized cognitive assessments are essential in research but often limited by proprietary restrictions and methodological constraints. This study evaluates the psychometric properties of two public-domain International Cognitive Ability Resource (ICAR) measures implemented in the Mobile Toolbox (MTB) assessment library: Puzzle Completion and Block Rotation. Using a sample of 100 adults (18–82 years), we assessed internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and construct validity compared to gold-standard measures. Results demonstrated acceptable reliability for both Puzzle Completion and Block Rotation. Each measure showed moderate to strong correlations with respective gold-standard assessments: Puzzle Completion correlated with Raven’s Progressive Matrices (r = 0.40), and Block Rotation with Mental Rotation Test (r = 0.46). Practice effects were non-significant. Both demonstrated the ability to discriminate between verbal and nonverbal abilities. Findings were consistent with previous ICAR validations, suggesting MTB provides a viable option for remote self-administration while preserving measurement integrity. This enables larger sample collection and ecological assessment of cognitive abilities outside of laboratory settings. Full article

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17 pages, 906 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Creativity in Learning Analytics: A Systematic Literature Review

by Siamak Mirzaei, Hooman Nikmehr, Sisi Liu and Fernando Marmolejo-Ramos

J. Intell. 2025, 13(12), 153; https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence13120153 - 23 Nov 2025

Abstract

Creativity is increasingly recognized as an essential 21st-century skill, critical for innovation, problem-solving, and personal growth. Educational systems have responded by prioritizing creative thinking, prompting researchers to explore the potential of Learning Analytics (LA) to support and enhance creativity. This systematic review synthesizes [...] Read more.

Creativity is increasingly recognized as an essential 21st-century skill, critical for innovation, problem-solving, and personal growth. Educational systems have responded by prioritizing creative thinking, prompting researchers to explore the potential of Learning Analytics (LA) to support and enhance creativity. This systematic review synthesizes empirical studies, theoretical frameworks, and methodological innovations from databases such as Web of Science, Scopus, ERIC, ProQuest, and Google Scholar, examining how creativity is operationalized within LA contexts. The review identifies diverse assessment frameworks, encompassing divergent thinking tests, product-based evaluations, behavioral metrics, and process-oriented assessments, often underpinned by the “4 Ps of Creativity” framework (Person, Process, Product, Press). Tools such as automated scoring systems, multimodal analytics, and AI-enhanced assessments demonstrate the potential to objectively and reliably capture creative processes and outcomes. However, significant challenges remain, including definitional ambiguity, inconsistent metrics, scalability issues, and ethical concerns related to data privacy. This review underscores the transformative capacity of LA to foster creativity in education while highlighting the critical need for standardized, robust methodologies and inclusive frameworks. By addressing identified gaps, future research can advance innovative approaches to assess and cultivate creativity using LA. Full article

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14 pages, 976 KB

Open AccessArticle

Relationship Between Well-Being and Inclusive Practice in Chilean Teachers: A Preliminary Analysis

by Marco Villalta-Paucar, Jéssica Rebolledo-Etchepare and Juan Pablo Hernández-Ramos

J. Intell. 2025, 13(12), 152; https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence13120152 - 22 Nov 2025

Abstract

Although numerous studies address inclusive education, especially in Latin America, research analyzing the overall life satisfaction of teachers in schools that implement inclusion policies are scarce. The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationship between Life Satisfaction, Optimism, Culture, and the [...] Read more.

Although numerous studies address inclusive education, especially in Latin America, research analyzing the overall life satisfaction of teachers in schools that implement inclusion policies are scarce. The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationship between Life Satisfaction, Optimism, Culture, and the Inclusive Practice of primary school teachers from Chile. A descriptive quantitative method was employed, with an ex post facto design including 246 primary teachers from urban and rural schools in Chile. The teachers completed four questionnaires: Inclusive Culture (IC), Inclusive Practice (IP) Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWSL), and Life Orientation Test Revised (LOT-R). The results show that these instruments present acceptable reliability. In addition, a significant correlation was found between Classroom Experience Time (CET) and SWSL (r = 0.201, p < .01), as well as between SWSL, and LOT-R (r = 0.411, p < .01), and IC and IP (r = 0.838, p < .01). The regression model is statistically significant [F (4, 241) = 139.572, p < .001]. The findings indicate that IC and SWSL predict IP directly, whereas CET is an inverse predictor. There is a statistically significant relationship between Life Satisfaction, Classroom Experience Time, Culture, and Inclusive Practice, with the three first variables being predictors of Inclusive Practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emotions, Well-Being and Intelligence: Assessment, Interventions and Professional Development)

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22 pages, 1037 KB

Open AccessArticle

Complex Motor Schemes and Executive Functions: A School-Based Dual-Challenge Intervention to Enhance Cognitive Performance and Academic Success in Early Adolescence

by Francesca Latino, Francesco Tafuri, Mariam Maisuradze and Maria Giovanna Tafuri

J. Intell. 2025, 13(11), 151; https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence13110151 - 20 Nov 2025

Abstract

Complex motor tasks that integrate cognitive demands may particularly enhance executive functions, which support school success. Yet few school-based trials have tested structured interventions combining motor complexity and cognitive challenge in early adolescence. Purpose: This study examined the effects of a gamified “Dual-Challenge [...] Read more.

Complex motor tasks that integrate cognitive demands may particularly enhance executive functions, which support school success. Yet few school-based trials have tested structured interventions combining motor complexity and cognitive challenge in early adolescence. Purpose: This study examined the effects of a gamified “Dual-Challenge Circuit” (DCC), integrating motor patterns with cognitive tasks, on executive functions, academic performance, motor skills, and physical fitness among middle school students. Secondary aims were to explore whether executive functions mediated academic gains and whether a dose–response relationship emerged. Method: A cluster-randomized controlled trial was conducted in four middle schools in Southern Italy with sixth- and seventh-grade students. Participants were assigned to either the DCC program or traditional physical education. The 12-week intervention included two weekly 60 min sessions. Outcomes were executive functions (Stroop, Digit Span backward, Trail Making Test-B), academic achievement (grades, MT tests), motor coordination (KTK), physical fitness (PACER, long jump, sit-and-reach), and adherence/fidelity. Results: The DCC group showed significantly greater improvements in all executive function measures and in mathematics and language grades (medium-to-large effects). Mediation analyses confirmed executive functions predicted academic improvements. Motor coordination and fitness also improved, with large effects in aerobic capacity and strength. Conclusions: The DCC effectively enhanced executive functions, academic outcomes, and fitness. Gamified, cognitively demanding physical education formats appear feasible and beneficial in real-world school settings. Full article

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27 pages, 2202 KB

Open AccessArticle

Small Samples, Big Insights: A Methodological Comparison of Estimation Techniques for Latent Divergent Thinking Models

by Selina Weiss, Lara S. Elmdust and Benjamin Goecke

J. Intell. 2025, 13(11), 150; https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence13110150 - 17 Nov 2025

Abstract

In psychology, small sample sizes are a frequent challenge—particularly when studying specific expert populations or using complex and cost-intensive methods like human scoring of creative answers—as they reduce statistical power, bias results, and limit generalizability. They also hinder the use of frequentist confirmatory [...] Read more.

In psychology, small sample sizes are a frequent challenge—particularly when studying specific expert populations or using complex and cost-intensive methods like human scoring of creative answers—as they reduce statistical power, bias results, and limit generalizability. They also hinder the use of frequentist confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), which depends on larger samples for reliable estimation. Problems such as non-convergence, inadmissible parameters, and poor model fit are more likely. In contrast, Bayesian methods offer a robust alternative, being less sensitive to sample size and allowing the integration of prior knowledge through parameter priors. In the present study, we introduce small-sample-size structural equation modeling to creativity research by investigating the relationship between creative fluency and nested creative cleverness with right-wing authoritarianism, starting with a sample size of N = 198. We compare the stability of results in frequentist and Bayesian SEM while gradually reducing the sample by n = 25. We find that common frequentist fit indexes degrade below N = 100, while Bayesian multivariate Rhat values indicate stable convergence down to N = 50. Standard errors for fluency loadings inflate 40–50% faster in frequentist SEM compared to Bayesian estimation, and regression coefficients linking RWA to cleverness remain significant across all reductions. Based on these findings, we discuss (1) the critical role of Bayesian priors in stabilizing small-sample SEM, (2) the robustness of the RWA-cleverness relationship despite sample constraints, and (3) practical guidelines for minimum sample sizes in bifactor modeling. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Analysis of a Divergent Thinking Dataset)

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28 pages, 3611 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Meta-Intelligent Child: Validating the MKIT as a Tool to Develop Metacognitive Knowledge in Early Childhood

by Onciu Oana and Prisacaru Flavia

J. Intell. 2025, 13(11), 149; https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence13110149 - 17 Nov 2025

Abstract

This article presents and validates the Metacognitive Knowledge Intervention for Thinking (MKIT)—an educational framework designed to assess and develop domain-general metacognitive knowledge (MK) in children aged 5 to 9. Moving beyond traditional approaches that examine metacognition within isolated subject areas, this research reconceptualizes [...] Read more.

This article presents and validates the Metacognitive Knowledge Intervention for Thinking (MKIT)—an educational framework designed to assess and develop domain-general metacognitive knowledge (MK) in children aged 5 to 9. Moving beyond traditional approaches that examine metacognition within isolated subject areas, this research reconceptualizes MK as a transferable learning resource across content domains and developmental stages. Moreover, by employing a stepped-wedge design—a rigorous but rarely used approach in education—the study introduces a methodological advancement. Simultaneously, MK is operationalized through an ecologically valid and developmentally appropriate format, using visually engaging stories, illustrated scenarios, and interactive tasks integrated within classroom routines. These adaptations enabled young learners to engage meaningfully with abstract metacognitive concepts. Therefore, across three interconnected studies (N = 458), the MKIT provided strong psychometric evidence supporting valid inferences about metacognitive knowledge, age-invariant effects, and substantial gains among children with initially low MK levels. In addition, qualitative data indicated MK transfer across contexts. Thus, these findings position MKIT as a scalable tool, supported by multiple strands of validity evidence, that makes metacognitive knowledge teachable across domains—offering a practical approach to strengthening learning, reducing early achievement gaps, and supporting the development of core components of intelligence. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metacognition and Self-Regulated Learning in Diverse Educational Contexts)

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23 pages, 1679 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Mapping the Scaffolding of Metacognition and Learning by AI Tools in STEM Classrooms: A Bibliometric–Systematic Review Approach (2005–2025)

by Maria Tsakeni, Stephen C. Nwafor, Moeketsi Mosia and Felix O. Egara

J. Intell. 2025, 13(11), 148; https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence13110148 - 15 Nov 2025

Abstract

This study comprehensively analyses how AI tools scaffold and share metacognitive processes, thereby facilitating students’ learning in STEM classrooms through a mixed-method research synthesis combining bibliometric analysis and systematic review. Using a convergent parallel mixed-methods design, the study draws on 135 peer-reviewed articles [...] Read more.

This study comprehensively analyses how AI tools scaffold and share metacognitive processes, thereby facilitating students’ learning in STEM classrooms through a mixed-method research synthesis combining bibliometric analysis and systematic review. Using a convergent parallel mixed-methods design, the study draws on 135 peer-reviewed articles published between 2005 and 2025 to map publication trends, author and journal productivity, keyword patterns, and theoretical frameworks. Data were retrieved from Scopus and Web of Science using structured Boolean searches and analysed using Biblioshiny and VOSviewer. Guided by PRISMA 2020 protocols, 24 studies were selected for in-depth qualitative review. Findings show that while most research remains grounded in human-centred conceptualisations of metacognition, there are emerging indications of posthumanist framings, where AI systems are positioned as co-regulators of learning. Tools like learning analytics, intelligent tutoring systems, and generative AI platforms have shifted the discourse from individual reflection to system-level regulation and distributed cognition. The study is anchored in Flavell’s theory of metacognition, General Systems Theory, and posthumanist perspectives to interpret this evolution. Educational implications highlight the need to reconceptualise pedagogical roles, integrate AI literacy in teacher preparation, and prioritise ethical, reflective AI design. The review provides a structured synthesis of theoretical, empirical, and conceptual trends, offering insights into how human–machine collaboration is reshaping learning by scaffolding and co-regulating students’ metacognitive development in STEM education. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Studies on Cognitive Processes)

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