Higher‐order structure‐of‐intellect creativity factors in divergent production tests: A re‐analysis of a Guilford data base

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Abstract
Exploratory factor analyses (varimax and promax solutions) and confirmatory maximum likelihood factor analyses were employed to re‐examine a correlation matrix of 27 divergent thinking tests from Guilford, Merrifield, and Cox (1961). In the exploratory analyses, only modest agreement with the solution derived by Guilford et al. was found. Testing of several alternative models to ascertain which would reproduce most accurately the correlation matrix indicated that two higher‐order oblique models comprising three kinds of content and six forms of products yielded indexes of closeness‐of‐fit nearly as good as those corresponding to an oblique model consisting of nine first‐order factors. In fact, the single general factor model accounted for almost as much covariance as the higher‐order oblique models. Orthogonal models yielded the least favorable indicators of closeness‐of‐fit. It was concluded that the divergent thinking tests intended to portray creativity can be conceptualized parsimoniously within the framework of a higher‐order factor structure. A brief discussion cites potential limitations and difficulties underlying the definition and measurement of creativity.