A comprehensive method for the measurement of everyday creativity

Abstract

This paper introduces a multivariate and theoretically driven measurement scheme for everyday creativity. We start by briefly reviewing classical distinctions (e.g., creative person, process and product; potential and manifest creativity) and examining several instruments for the assessment of creativity. We then propose a measurement method that integrates these theoretical elements and psychometric traditions. This method includes several questionnaires (assessing aspects of personality, cognitive styles, creative interests, activities, and achievements) and creativity tasks (divergent thinking, insight, and “real-life” creativity tasks). The scoring method of these tasks rests both on classical indices (e.g., fluency) and on an innovative subjective scoring procedure. This procedure relies on a randomized, double-blind peer evaluation, where some participants rate the creativity of other participants, and allows for unprecedented levels of efficiency and practicality. Overall, results shows that our measurement scheme is psychometrically and theoretically sound. These results are discussed at a theoretical and methodological level, and avenues for future research are explored.