Assessing Creativity in a Greek Sample: Reliability and Validity of Two Predictors and Two Criteria

Abstract

The present investigation assessed the reliability and predictive validity of four creativity measures with a Greek sample (N = 433). Two of the measures were predictors of creativity. One of these was the How Would You Describe Yourself (HWYDY) and the other Creative Attitudes and Values (CA&V). The other two measures were criteria of creativity. One of these was Creative Activities and Accomplishments Checklist and the other the Runco Ideational Behavior Scale. Versions of these measures have previously demonstrated good psychometric properties in other samples, but these may not apply to a Greek sample. Indeed, the present analyses uncovered an idiosyncrasy. Correlational analyses indicated that three of the measures were reliable in the Greek sample but one—the HWYDY—was not, at least initially. When the contraindicative items in the HWYDY were removed, reliability was high. Interestingly, the descriptor “originality” lowered reliability of the measure. Several explanations for this are discussed. Regression and confirmatory factor analyses also indicated that the predictive validity of the HWYDY and the CA&V measures were well within the range that is usually interpreted as acceptable. Their predictive validity was also supported by canonical analyses using all four measures, and in regression analyses testing each criterion individually. Future research is recommended, given some limitations in the present effort, but the current results are largely supportive of the use of these four creativity measures in Greek samples.