Runco et al Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking as Predictors of Personal and Public Achievement A Fifty-Year Follow-Up Creativity Research Journal 2010

Overview of the Study

• This article investigates the findings of a 50-year follow-up of the Torrance Test of Creative Thinking (TTCT), conducted by E. Paul Torrance and colleagues, examining the correlation between creativity and personal/public achievements.

Key Findings

• TTCT scores were moderately correlated with personal achievements but not with public achievements.

• An interaction between intelligence and creativity significantly related to public achievement but not personal achievement.

• A composite of the four TTCT indexes (fluency, originality, flexibility, elaboration) exhibited a significant trend with personal achievement.

• Specific indicators from the Beyonder measure contributed to both personal and public accomplishments:

  • Public Achievement: "Love of work," "Tolerance of mistakes," "Minority of one"

  • Personal Achievement: Only "Well-roundedness"

• Gender differences were noted: Males had significantly higher public achievement scores compared to females; no significant differences in personal achievement.

Longitudinal Study Importance

• Highlights the utility of longitudinal studies for tracking developmental changes and experiences in creativity.

• Cited studies indicate a trend where personality predictors significantly account for variations in creativity over time (e.g., Feist and Barron, 2003).

Historical Context of TTCT

• Developed in the late 1950s to assess creative thinking via reliable and valid testing methods.

• Previous studies indicated that TTCT scores are better predictors of creative achievement than traditional intelligence tests or high school achievements.

• Torrance’s follow-ups show that TTCT scores account for a notable percentage of variance in creative qualities and achievements.

Methodology of the Follow-Up Study

• Participants contacted were part of earlier TTCT administrations, averaging 56 years old, with an average IQ of 126.

• Various measures included TTCT scores (fluency, originality, flexibility, elaboration), WISC scores, and creative achievements through questionnaires.

• Analysis involved tracking creative styles, public, and personal achievements using established criteria.

Results Details

• Predictive Validity:

  • TTCT scores correlated with personal achievement (e.g., fluency and elaboration).

  • No significant correlation with public achievement.

  • A composite TTCT score positively related to personal achievement, but not public achievement.

• Discriminant Validity:

  • Negative correlation between TTCT scores and WISC scores indicates distinct measures of creativity and intelligence.

Group and Sex Differences

• Significant findings on how indicators such as "love of work" and "tolerance of mistakes" correlate with public achievement.

• Males had higher public achievement than females, who showed higher personal achievements.

Discussion of Findings

• The TTCT scores remained reliable indicators of personal achievement over decades, while public achievement was not significantly linked.

• The need for educators to promote divergent thinking as it beneficially impacts creativity across the lifespan.

• Further research suggested to refine understanding of optimal levels of divergent thinking in educational settings and its implications for creativity.