Assessment of Intelligence with Creativity the Need for a Comprehensive Approach

Abstract

ABSTRACT Assessments of intelligence have neglected to examine creativity in most test batteries, thus inhibiting a complete understanding of cognitive functioning. This study aimed to analyze whether creativity could be combined with intelligence in a group test battery (BAICA- Intelligence and Creativity Battery) and to verify whether creativity was related to fluid and crystallized intelligence tasks or if it was an independent factor. The sample was composed of 450 individuals (299 F, 151 M) living in 6 Brazilian states, with ages ranging from 14–50 years old (M = 21.42, SD = 7.70). Seven tasks related to fluid intelligence (Gf; logical thinking, visual spatial ability, visual memory, speed of thinking) and crystallized intelligence (Gc; synonyms, antonyms, verbal analogies), along with 3 tasks related to creative thinking (Cr; fluency, flexibility, originality, and elaboration) were studied through confirmatory factor and network analyses. The results indicated better adjustment indices for Model 3, which was composed of the G factor explained by Gf (including analogies), Gc and Cr. The network analysis confirmed the relationships among these factors and the same pattern for both sexes. In conclusion, there is a need to integrate creativity as a distinct construct for assessing intelligence to obtain a better comprehension of human potential.