Factor structure of intelligence and divergent thinking subtests: A registered report

PLoS One. 2021 May 12;16(5):e0251268. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251268. eCollection 2021.

Abstract

Psychologists have investigated creativity for 70 years, and it is now seen as being an important construct, both scientifically and because of its practical value to society. However, several fundamental unresolved problems persist, including a suitable definition of creativity and the ability of psychometric tests to measure divergent thinking-an important component of creativity-in a way that aligns with theory. It is this latter point that this registered report is designed to address. We propose to administer two divergent thinking tests (the verbal and figural versions of the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking; TTCT) with an intelligence test (the International Cognitive Ability Resource test; ICAR). We will then subject the subscores from these tests to confirmatory factor analysis to test which of nine theoretically plausible models best fits the data. When this study is completed, we hope to better understand whether the degree to which the TTCT and ICAR measure distinct constructs. This study will be conducted in accordance with all open science practices, including pre-registration, open data and syntax, and open materials (with the exception of copyrighted and confidential test stimuli).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aptitude Tests
  • Attention / physiology
  • Creativity*
  • Factor Analysis, Statistical
  • Humans
  • Intelligence / classification*
  • Intelligence / physiology
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Psychometrics / methods*
  • Thinking / classification
  • Thinking / physiology

Grants and funding

This study is funded by a Utah Valley University Undergraduate Research Scholarly and Creative Activities (URSCA) grant. https://www.uvu.edu/undergrad-research/student-research/apply-for-funding/ursca-research.html The funders had and will not have a role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.