While working on a grant from the Russian Science Foundation, researchers from South Ural State University have patented two databases for assessing creativity levels in children and adults. A neural network trained on data from these unique databases delivers almost instant results for the Torrance test, significantly reducing the time required for expert evaluation.
The scientists have compiled and patented results based on a sample of 3007 Russians who previously took the Torrance creativity test. For the first time in Russia, the two databases include diagnostic results on the structure of creative thinking not only for children, but for adults as well. These databases provide researchers with unique opportunities: first, to develop creativity norms for adults (since there is practical demand but very little available data), and second, to train artificial intelligence to evaluate test responses.
“Traditionally, Torrance testing was conducted only for children and adolescents—respondents under seventeen,” explains Iuliia Dmitrieva, Associate Professor at the SUSU Department of Psychology of Management and Law Enforcement Activities. “However, the world is changing rapidly, new technologies are developing, and naturally, employers’ interest in high levels of creativity among potential employees is growing. Without exaggeration, this quality is becoming a key competitive advantage across various fields, regardless of age or profession.”
As part of the grant, the Chelyabinsk researchers, jointly with their colleagues from the Institute of Psychology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, have developed an artificial intelligence model based on the patented databases. The model helps process the results of creativity assessments using several projective tests, simplifying and accelerating psychologists’ work. Already now, anyone can take a creativity test on a special online platform (either using the Urban method or the Torrance method) and, thanks to the trained neural network, receive results within minutes without visiting a psychologist.
In addition, within the frameworks of the grant, the scientists are working on creating an original methodology for comprehensive diagnostics of mass creativity. Unlike the existing approaches, the new test takes into account the specifics of the Russian sample and goes beyond traditional creativity indicators by incorporating metacognitive measures, personality traits, and personal narrative indicators.
The test allows for assessing creativity levels across different age and professional groups.
“Our test consists of only three parts: the first two are drawing-based and suitable for any age starting from four or five years, while in the third part participants are asked to create a story about specific real or fictional characters, including characters from books or films,” says Vera Griazeva-Dobshinskaiia, Professor at the SUSU Department of Psychology of Management and Law Enforcement Activities.
The traditional Torrance creativity test evaluates six key characteristics: originality, fluency, flexibility, elaboration, abstractness of titles, and resistance to premature closure.
The new test being developed by the Chelyabinsk researchers assesses not only these six universal creativity factors but also additional metacognitive indicators (such as self-transcendence as a form of supra-situational activity, cultural code indicators, and dynamics in series), personality traits (self-assessment of creative effectiveness and personal identity), and personal narrative indicators (ego positions, drivers, and types of personal choice).
The original test and the functioning neural network can be used for large-scale creativity assessment: for example, in selecting students for educational institutions at all levels or employees for organizations across various sectors.