Environmental Influences on Creativity Measurement

Abstract

The effect of different pre-administration warm-up activities on the scores from a measure of creative thinking was investigated. Four activities were used: (1) Creative movement, (2) Guided fantasy, (3) Testlike, and (4) Control. Results indicate that the subscores of fluency, elaboration, and originality on the Torrance Test of Creative Thinking were influenced by these activities, but that the total score was not. Findings are interpreted in light of their implications for creativity measurement and creativity research in general.It is part of the psychometric tradition that, when an ability is being measured, it is assumed that the subject can call upon this ability at will. That is, the trait in question is considered to be equally readily available at all times. In fact, when a measure does not produce stable results over a short time interval, the assumption is often made that this is a failing of the instrument, not an inconsistancy of the trait. There is some question of the validity of this assumption, however, when the trait under consideration is creativity (Treffinger and Poggio, 1976).Creativity is a rather cherished concept for psychologists and educators; it rivals intelligence as being a desirable attribute (Khatena, 1977;Torrance, 1965), and is considered by many to be the most ephemeral of human abilities. Jackson and Messick (1965) state:The day on which we are certain about how to construct a theory of creativity will also be the day on which we are certain about how to construct a poem. (p. 328)

An Analysis of School Counselors’ Creative Personality in West Bandung Regency

“…The significant relationship to the "four Ps of creativity" raises questions about what types of creative individuals can engage in and focus on the creative process, what types of personalities can succeed in that process, as well as what conducive environment can facilitate the process and produce creative products (Smith & Bistocchi, 1983). This shows that internal and external factors will influence the creative process, which requires expertise, skills, and a strong desire within a person (Torrance, 1984).…”