Innovation Capabilities of Engineering Students

Title: An Experimental Investigation of the Innovation Capabilities of Engineering Students
Authors: N. Genco and K. Holtta-Otto, C. C. Seepersad
Abstract: "In this experimental study, we compare the results of concept generation exercises completed by freshman- and senior-level mechanical engineering students.  Resulting concepts were analyzed using metrics for novelty, fixation, and quality. The results indicated that the freshman students produced more novel concepts and were less fixated on the sample clocks shown in the experiment.  Both freshman and senior groups produced concepts with similar (high) levels of quality and feasibility.  The results support the troubling conclusion that freshman engineering students are more innovative than seniors.  This conclusion highlights the need for increased emphasis on innovation and creativity in the engineering curriculum."
Link: http://www.me.utexas.edu/~ppmdlab/files/creative%20ability%20031010.FINAL.pdf

My notes: "Freshman engineering students are more innovative than their senior-level counterparts... , the results of this preliminary study imply that students become less creative as they progress through the engineering curriculum"