Differential Predictive Validity of the Torrance Test of Creative Thinking–Figural

• In Event: Classic and Novel Approaches in Creativity Assessment and Programming: Implications for Gifted Education

Abstract

The Torrance Test of Creative Thinking (TTCT; Torrance, 2017) is the most widely used norm-referenced creativity test for gifted identification. Luria et al. (2016) postulate the usage of creativity assessments in the identification process could yield more program diversity and more equitable practice of identifying gifted students. However, there seems to be little evidence beyond studies from the mid 20th century to support this position (Torrance, 1971). Although commonly used, little is known about the variability in composite scores on the TTCT-Figural and differential prediction of student demographics beyond gender, grade level, and age (Lee, 2021) within the current version of the TTCT-Figural. This study evaluated the differential predictive validity of the TTCT-Figural (composite score and by Form) across student demographics. Additionally, student demographic performance on the TTCT-Figural was compared to the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT7), Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS), and the Nagleiri Non-Verbal Ability Test (NNAT-2). The following questions guided the study:

1. Does performance on the TTCT-Figural, vary as a function of student demographics (e.g., race/ethnicity, sex, socioeconomic status, English Learner status)?
2. How do scores vary by form of the TTCT-Figural across student demographics?
3. How do cognitive ability and achievement tests relate to performance on the TTCT-Figural?

The sample consisted of 1542 students who were either referred or universally screened for gifted identification across 1st through 8th grade in diverse Southwest Central School District. Across all 1st graders who were universally screened, there were no significant differences across racial demographics and performance on the TTCT-Figural, with a marginal effect size (R2 = .02). However, across all students who were either universally screened or referred from 1st through 8th grade, Hispanic/Latinx students scored lower than White students (𝜷 = -.087, p < .01) on the composite TTCT-Figural. There were no significant differences found for students who are on Free/reduced lunch, but English Learners scored lower than Native English Speakers (𝜷 = -.092, p < .001). Comparative to the CogAT7, NNAT-2, and ITBS (Math or Reading), the TTCT-Figural showed fewer group differences across all student demographic groups assessed.

Although differences exist, there is value in keeping the TTCT-Figural due to lower score differences as authors have suggested (Kim, 2006).

References

Kim, K. H. (2006). Can we trust creativity tests? A review of the Torrance Test of Creative Thinking (TTCT). Creativity Research Journal, 18(1), 3-14. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15326934crj1801_2
Lee, L. E. (2021). Evaluating program diversity and the probability of gifted identification using the Torrance Test of Creative Thinking [Doctoral dissertation, University of North Texas]. UNT Digital Library. https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1833574/m1/203/
Luria, S. R., O’Brien, R. L., & Kaufman, J. C. (2016). Creativity in gifted identification: Increasing accuracy and diversity. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1377(1), 44-52. https://doi.org/10.1111/nyas.13136
Torrance, E. P. (1971). Are the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking biased against or in favor of the “disadvantaged” groups? Gifted Child Quarterly, 15(2), 75–80. https://doi.org/10.1177/001698627101500201
Torrance, E. P. (2017). Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking norms-technical manual for Figural Forms A and B. Scholastic Testing Service.

Authors

• Lindsay Ellis Lee, East Tennessee State University
  Presenting Author

• Selcuk Acar, University of North Texas
  Non-Presenting Author

• Anne N. Rinn, University of North Texas
  Non-Presenting Author

• Rachel U. Mun, University of North Texas
  Non-Presenting Author

• Karen E. Rambo-Hernandez, Texas A&M University
  Non-Presenting Author