Analysis of the criteria of originality in projective methods in the study of talented and gifted individuals

Abstract

Analysis of the criteria of originality in projective methods in the study of talented and gifted individuals. The study analyses the criterion of originality in projective diagnostic tests used for the assessment of creative and gifted persons. For the analysis, the tests of Torrance, Gilford, Wartegg, and the methodology of "Pictogram" were utilized. The concept of originality is assessed in all these projective methods. This concept, according to J. Gilford, is strongly related to the creativity of a person. The originality, according to the scientist, is the capability to find the non-standard solutions, which are different from most answers for the particular test task. Thus, this parameter is related to the capability to create the new ideas based on the standard stimuli, which is the basis of creativity. However, the true originality, as the ability to produce a new product, cannot be measured within the testing procedure. Thus, J. Gilford created the criterion of originality of projective tests as a statistical parameter. For different tests, the frequency of the solution, needed for describing it as original, can be different. Precisely, in Torrance’s test, the answer is considered original if it occurs in less than 5% of answers. In Gilford's test, the original solution was shown to be presented in less than then 2.5% cases. For the "Pictogram" methodology, the original answer occurs in less than 2%, and in Wartegg’s test – in less than 1%.
 When analysing the concept of originality, it is also necessary to ensure the adequacy of the proposed solution is also evaluated. A tested person can propose the answer to the test task that ignores the instruction or the essential characteristics of stimuli. In this case, such a variant of the solution of the problem will be original, as it occurs rarely. However, this solution does not appear to be adequate and it might not be related to the creativity of a person. Hence, original but adequate answers should be applied as indicators of the true creativity.
 Thus, the criterion of originality is a statistical one. To evaluate the originality of the answer, a researcher assesses the frequency of a particular result in the entire assessed group. This criterion in the significant way depends on the cultural code of the person as well as on the sample of the study. The same solution can be considered as original for one sample and standard, normative for another one. On the other hand, creativity of a person not always can be controlled and applied consciously. The creative process is frequently spontaneous. Therefore, the absence of the original solutions in the results of proactive tests does not necessarily mean the absence of creativity in a particular person. In such a rank, the criterion of originality can serve as an indicator of a non-standard process of thinking of an individual. However, the assessment of creativity and giftedness requires a comprehensive and individual approach.