In spite of the growing popularity of virtual worlds for gaming, recreation, and education, few studies have explored the efficacy of 3D immersive virtual worlds in post-secondary instruction; even fewer discuss the ability of virtual worlds to help young adults develop creative thinking. This study investigated the effect of virtual world education on creative thought for university level students. Over the course of two semesters, a total of 97 university students participated in this study. Forty-six of these participants (experimental group) spent time in a specially designed virtual world environment, the V.I.E.W., while 51 of the participants (control group) met exclusively in a real-world classroom. Creative thought was measured before and after the intervention with the Torrance Test of Creative Thinking Verbal Forms A and B. Although the experimental group's ending scores did not reach the level of the control group's scores, results showed overall statistically significant gains for the experimental group at p = .033. The experimental group also achieved greater gains in the subcategories of fluency and flexibility, with significance at p = .036 and p = .043, respectively. At the end of the course, independent raters measured the creativity expressed in student art critiques, using a scale developed for this study. No overall significant differences between groups were found in the art critiques, except in the category of spatial awareness, where the experimental group's scores were significantly higher than the control group's scores at p = .039. For both instruments, analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to evaluate statistical data. Results suggest that immersive worlds can be at least as well suited as traditional university classrooms for developing creative thought—particularly in the context of art education. Implications for researchers, students, educators, and administrators are discussed.

Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar se o Teste Wartegg é um instrumento capaz de avaliar a criatividade em seleção de pessoal. Foi realizada uma validade de construto através de estudos correlacionais entre indicadores de criatividade nos protocolos do Wartegg e do Torrance – Forma Figural. Participaram desta pesquisa 68 candidatos de processos seletivos, 47% homens e 52,7% mulheres, com idades entre 18 e 41 anos. Foram observadas evidências de fidedignidade no Wartegg correlacionando-se os itens que compõem as categorias que se acredita estarem relacionadas com a função básica imaginação – criatividade, flexibilidade, visão convencional e rigidez – com seus totais. O melhor indicador no Wartegg para investigar a criatividade foi o somatório da criatividade com a flexibilidade. Além disso, verificou-se uma correlação direta entre o campo 5 do Wartegg e os índices criativos figurais do Torrance (ICF 1 e ICF 2). Ainda que o estudo em questão apresente alguma evidência de validade, novos estudos são necessários. Por fim, constata-se que o objetivo do Wartegg, tanto pelo rapport como pela construção teórica, está muito mais direcionado para o entendimento de questões mais amplas da personalidade do que para a investigação de uma função básica específica. Entretanto, a correlação das funções básicas com testes que investiguem o mesmo construto talvez seja uma das únicas formas de validar o instrumento, tendo em vista a dificuldade de encontrar um teste que avalie as condições de personalidade de maneira tão ampla. / This study it had as objective to investigate if the Wartegg Test is an instrument capable to assess the creativity in personnel selection. A construct validity has been verified through correlation studies between creativity indicators in the protocols of the Wartegg Test and those of the Figural Form of the Torrance Test. Sixty eight candidates for selective processes, 47.0% men and 52.7% women, were involved in this research, ranging from 18 to 41 years of age. Evidences of trustworthiness in the Wartegg Test had been observed correlating items of categories which were assumed to be related with the basic function imagination - creativity, flexibility, conventional vision and rigidity - with its totals. The best Wartegg indicator found to investigate creativity is the sum of creativity plus flexibility. Moreover, a direct correlation was verified between field 5 of the Wartegg and the figural creativity index of the Torrance (ICF 1 e ICF 2). Despite the study presents some evidence of validity, new studies are required. Finally, it is evident the objective of the Wartegg, as much for rapport as for the theoretical construction, is more directed to understanding of ampler questions of personality than to investigation of a specific basic function. However, the correlation between basic functions and tests which investigate the same construct may be the only way to validate the instrument, due the difficulty in finding a test that evaluates conditions of personality in so ampler way.

Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar se o Teste Wartegg é um instrumento capaz de avaliar a criatividade em seleção de pessoal. Foi realizada uma validade de construto através de estudos correlacionais entre indicadores de criatividade nos protocolos do Wartegg e do Torrance – Forma Figural. Participaram desta pesquisa 68 candidatos de processos seletivos, 47% homens e 52,7% mulheres, com idades entre 18 e 41 anos. Foram observadas evidências de fidedignidade no Wartegg correlacionando-se os itens que compõem as categorias que se acredita estarem relacionadas com a função básica imaginação – criatividade, flexibilidade, visão convencional e rigidez – com seus totais. O melhor indicador no Wartegg para investigar a criatividade foi o somatório da criatividade com a flexibilidade. Além disso, verificou-se uma correlação direta entre o campo 5 do Wartegg e os índices criativos figurais do Torrance (ICF 1 e ICF 2). Ainda que o estudo em questão apresente alguma evidência de validade, novos estudos são necessários. Por fim, constata-se que o objetivo do Wartegg, tanto pelo rapport como pela construção teórica, está muito mais direcionado para o entendimento de questões mais amplas da personalidade do que para a investigação de uma função básica específica. Entretanto, a correlação das funções básicas com testes que investiguem o mesmo construto talvez seja uma das únicas formas de validar o instrumento, tendo em vista a dificuldade de encontrar um teste que avalie as condições de personalidade de maneira tão ampla. / This study it had as objective to investigate if the Wartegg Test is an instrument capable to assess the creativity in personnel selection. A construct validity has been verified through correlation studies between creativity indicators in the protocols of the Wartegg Test and those of the Figural Form of the Torrance Test. Sixty eight candidates for selective processes, 47.0% men and 52.7% women, were involved in this research, ranging from 18 to 41 years of age. Evidences of trustworthiness in the Wartegg Test had been observed correlating items of categories which were assumed to be related with the basic function imagination - creativity, flexibility, conventional vision and rigidity - with its totals. The best Wartegg indicator found to investigate creativity is the sum of creativity plus flexibility. Moreover, a direct correlation was verified between field 5 of the Wartegg and the figural creativity index of the Torrance (ICF 1 e ICF 2). Despite the study presents some evidence of validity, new studies are required. Finally, it is evident the objective of the Wartegg, as much for rapport as for the theoretical construction, is more directed to understanding of ampler questions of personality than to investigation of a specific basic function. However, the correlation between basic functions and tests which investigate the same construct may be the only way to validate the instrument, due the difficulty in finding a test that evaluates conditions of personality in so ampler way.

Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar se o Teste Wartegg é um instrumento capaz de avaliar a criatividade em seleção de pessoal. Foi realizada uma validade de construto através de estudos correlacionais entre indicadores de criatividade nos protocolos do Wartegg e do Torrance – Forma Figural. Participaram desta pesquisa 68 candidatos de processos seletivos, 47% homens e 52,7% mulheres, com idades entre 18 e 41 anos. Foram observadas evidências de fidedignidade no Wartegg correlacionando-se os itens que compõem as categorias que se acredita estarem relacionadas com a função básica imaginação – criatividade, flexibilidade, visão convencional e rigidez – com seus totais. O melhor indicador no Wartegg para investigar a criatividade foi o somatório da criatividade com a flexibilidade. Além disso, verificou-se uma correlação direta entre o campo 5 do Wartegg e os índices criativos figurais do Torrance (ICF 1 e ICF 2). Ainda que o estudo em questão apresente alguma evidência de validade, novos estudos são necessários. Por fim, constata-se que o objetivo do Wartegg, tanto pelo rapport como pela construção teórica, está muito mais direcionado para o entendimento de questões mais amplas da personalidade do que para a investigação de uma função básica específica. Entretanto, a correlação das funções básicas com testes que investiguem o mesmo construto talvez seja uma das únicas formas de validar o instrumento, tendo em vista a dificuldade de encontrar um teste que avalie as condições de personalidade de maneira tão ampla. / This study it had as objective to investigate if the Wartegg Test is an instrument capable to assess the creativity in personnel selection. A construct validity has been verified through correlation studies between creativity indicators in the protocols of the Wartegg Test and those of the Figural Form of the Torrance Test. Sixty eight candidates for selective processes, 47.0% men and 52.7% women, were involved in this research, ranging from 18 to 41 years of age. Evidences of trustworthiness in the Wartegg Test had been observed correlating items of categories which were assumed to be related with the basic function imagination - creativity, flexibility, conventional vision and rigidity - with its totals. The best Wartegg indicator found to investigate creativity is the sum of creativity plus flexibility. Moreover, a direct correlation was verified between field 5 of the Wartegg and the figural creativity index of the Torrance (ICF 1 e ICF 2). Despite the study presents some evidence of validity, new studies are required. Finally, it is evident the objective of the Wartegg, as much for rapport as for the theoretical construction, is more directed to understanding of ampler questions of personality than to investigation of a specific basic function. However, the correlation between basic functions and tests which investigate the same construct may be the only way to validate the instrument, due the difficulty in finding a test that evaluates conditions of personality in so ampler way.

The aim of this field study is to investigate the relationship between creative thinking abilities and an Industrial Design course. The report contains an analysis of the background to current teaching methods in Industrial Arts within the Australian Capital Territory. A link between design education and creativity is investigated, as well as the nature of creativity and its relationship to the learning process and teaching strategies employed in design education. The Torrance Test of Creative Thinking was used in this study and the subjects were grade nine students in selected high schools in the Australian Capital Territory.

La créativité s’exprime dans tous les domaines de l'activité humaine et devrait êtreparticulièrement utile pour faciliter les transitions psychologiques de la période del’adolescence. Après avoir examiné les principaux travaux actuels sur l’adolescence, lasocialisation et la créativité, cette recherche s’engage sur l’étude des relations entre créativitéet socialisation au moment de l’adolescence. 149 adolescents français et 173 adolescentssyriens ont répondu à un questionnaire comportant : des items adaptés des tests de Torrance,des questions originales permettant d’apprécier la socialisation scolaire, la perception de laréussite scolaire, la socialisation extra-Scolaire, et certaines caractéristiques familiales.L’objectif était d’apprécier si les relations entre créativité et socialisation sont analogues dansles deux contextes culturels, pas de comparer les performances créatives des deux groupesd’adolescents, et d’évaluer séparément le développement de la pensée créative dans les deuxpopulations.Les données ont été analysées principalement en repérant les corrélations significativesentre les divers indices de créativité et de socialisation. Une analyse qualitative desproductions créatives a également été menée. Dans l’ensemble, contrairement à noshypothèses, les corrélations entre créativité et socialisation se sont révélées plutôt faibles saufpour la perception de la réussite scolaire, et pour la pratique des activités extrascolaire. Ellessont également peu systématiques et diffèrent sur de nombreux points quand on compare lesdonnées françaises et syriennes. L’analyse qualitative permet également de montrer quel’évaluation de la créativité dépend des représentations culturelles et de l’expérience acquise. / Creativity is apparent in every domain of human activity. In particular, it should beespecially useful to facilitate the psychological transitions in the adolescent period. Followingan examination of main present studies on adolescence, socialization, and creativity, thisresearch contributes to investigate the relations between creativity and socialization duringadolescence. 149 French adolescents and 173 Syrian adolescents completed a questionnaireincluding items adapted from Torrance tests, original questions on school socialization,perception of school achievement, out of school socialization, and some family features. Theaim was to understand if the relations between creativity and socialization are analogous inthe two cultural contexts, not to compare the performance on creativity between the twoadolescent groups, and to evaluate independently the development of the creative thinking inboth samples.Data were mainly analyzed by stressing the significant correlations between the variousindex of creativity and socialization. A qualitative analysis of creative products was alsoconducted. As a whole, contrary to our hypothesis, the correlation between creativity andsocialization were quite low except for the perception of school achievement and the practiceof extracurricular activities. They were also not systematic and they differed in numerousaspects when French data and Syrian data were compared. Besides, the qualitative analysis letto show how creativity assessment depends on cultural representations and learnedexperiences.

The aim of the current study is threefold: to develop a creativity questionnaire based on the main criteria for creativity as determined by means of a comprehensive literature survey; to administer this questionnaire, in combination with the Abbreviated Torrance Test for Adults (ATTA) and the 16PF for the purpose of determining respondents’ level of creativity in relation to their personality constellation; to determine whether a typical 16PF profile can be obtained for the purpose of identifying a creative individual. The sample consisted of fourth-year Psychology students at the University of Pretoria. Identified problems that motivated the research include, amongst others, a lack of research in this domain, and therefore a need for a reliable and valid measuring instrument for creativity. Creative individuals are often misinterpreted or misunderstood by the community as the result of a lack of knowledge. The purpose of the research will also be to reduce misconceptions such as these, by informing the reader about creativity as well as the individuals who possess this unique characteristic. Creativity is, however, an extremely broad concept which is very difficult to define, and only the main criteria for creativity were applied in the development of the Creativity Questionnaire. According to Ryhammar&Brolin (1999), creative individuals can be described as being motivated, persevering, intellectually inquisitive, having a need for self-actualisation, independent in thought and deed, confident, self-aware, and open to external and internal stimulation. Operationalisation of such criteria formed the basis of the Creativity Questionnaire. The dissertation reports on the development of a Creativity Questionnaire which can be used in a variety of areas, but will need further revision and refinement in terms of items included, validity and reliability. Therefore the current study should be considered as a pilot study for the testing and development of this questionnaire. The results of this investigation confirm and extend previous research in demonstrating a close association between creativity and specific personality traits. Creative subjects (as measured by the ATTA) indicated that they perceive themselves to be significantly more independent in thought, open to experience, dominant, individualistic and competent, than less creative subjects. Both subjects with average and high creativity levels indicated that they tend to be more resourceful, self-sufficient, and prefer to make their own decisions. These subjects tend to be more abstract thinking and bright. Both subjects with low creativity levels and subjects with high creativity levels indicated that they tend to be more spontaneous, socially bold, uninhibited and venturesome than subjects with average creativity levels. The latter subjects tend to be more restrained, sensitive to threats, timid and shy. Subjects with low creativity levels on the other hand, indicated that they tend to be more outgoing, participating, warm-hearted and easy-going than subjects with an average creativity level. The latter subject group tends to be more critical, detached and reserved. Subjects with low creativity levels also seem to be joiners, sound followers and group-dependent. These subjects also indicated that they tend to be more concrete thinking and less intelligent, than subjects with average and high creativity levels. / Dissertation (MA (Research Psychology))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Psychology / unrestricted

This thesis deals with the so called "positive aspects" of dyslexia, specifically enhanced creativity in dyslexics. It has recently become common to associate dyslexia not only with its symptoms and deficits, but also to emphasize its possible gains. Anecdotal evidence refers to enhanced creativity and more specific abilities of individuals with dyslexia. Based on the results of foreign studies that suggest a relationship between dyslexia and increased creativity, this research study was carried out in the environment of Czech secondary schools. The research group consisted of 67 adolescents with dyslexia and 67 intact counterparts at the age range from 17 to 20 years (including 108 boys and 26 girls). The data were obtained via figural Torrance Test of Creative Thinking. We then compared levels obtained within experimental and comparison groups in three specific fields - originality, elaboration and provision of non-standard and unusual responses. This was to lead to confirmation (or refusal) of a presumption that dyslexics show significantly higher scores in all three areas. Although the overall results of the research did not demonstrate a significant difference between the groups, we observed a trend indicating a higher score in dyslexics in all the defined areas. Results of our research study...