Intellect, Personality, and Suppression Effects in the Predicting of Creativity

• In Event: 18.062 - Predicting Growth, Achievement, and Creativity: Conceptual and Methodological Advances

Abstract

Creativity is a complex construct conceptualized and measured in multiple ways. This study with university undergraduates (N = 224) examined predictive power of demographic, intellect, and personality variables on six different creativity measures using stepwise regression. As was hypothesized, the prediction strength of the models varied widely (.139 < R2 < .495) with self-report measures of creativity being better predicted. Personality predicted creativity beyond demographic and intellect variables, but even these effects varied (.039 < R2 < .145). Personality and other variables demonstrated suppression effects which were further supported via follow-up commonality analysis. Overall, the results suggest that despite relatively small effects of personality on creativity, it can strengthen model prediction. Implications for educational settings and future research are discussed.

Author

• Jeb S Puryear