The Performance of High and Low Ability Groups on Two Measures of Creativity

Abstract

This investigation sought information on the performance of high and low ability Ss on two measures of creativity, and the relationship between performance on the two measures. Forty-seven 13-year-old high school students comprised the sample. High and low ability students from the top and lower than average streams were given the A.H. 4 intelligence test, the Junior-Senior High School Personality Questionnaire, and a drawing test on a specific theme, which was assessed by five expert judges for creativity on the basis of certain criteria. Significant differences were found between the high and low ability groups both in the H. S. P. Q. test and the creativity drawing test. There was also a significant correlation between the A.H. 4 test and the judges’ ranking for creativity. However, there was no significant difference between the two creativity measures, nor between the H. S. P. W. and the A.H. 4 tests. The results confirm the view that there is a relationship between intelligence and creativity, that the relationship depends on types of intelligence tests and creativity measures used, and the need exists for a definition of creativity based on commonly accepted criteria.