Unusual Uses Test: A Novel Approach to Assess Creative Thinking
Abstract
The Unusual Uses Test (UUT) is a new approach to assess creative thinking, which relies on creativity tests such as the Remote Associates Test (RAT) and the Torrance Test of Creative Thinking (TTCT). The UUT was developed to provide a more comprehensive assessment of creative thinking by considering both convergent and divergent problem solving. This article provides an overview of the UUT’s theoretical and empirical foundations, its structure, and its potential applications. Furthermore, the article discusses the need for further research to validate and expand the use of the UUT.
Keywords: Unusual Uses Test, creativity, convergent problem solving, divergent problem solving.
Introduction
Creative thinking is a vital skill in today’s competitive and rapidly changing world. It is characterized by the ability to generate innovative ideas and solutions to complex problems (Runco, 2006). Creativity tests, such as the Remote Associates Test (RAT) and the Torrance Test of Creative Thinking (TTCT), have been used to measure creative thinking ability in a variety of contexts (Guilford, 1967; Torrance, 1974). However, these tests typically focus on convergent problem solving, which emphasizes the ability to find the “correct” answer to a given problem.
The Unusual Uses Test (UUT) is a novel approach to assessing creative thinking that takes into account both convergent and divergent problem solving. In this article, we provide an overview of the UUT’s theoretical and empirical foundations, its structure, and its potential applications. We also discuss the need for further research to validate and expand the use of the UUT.
Theoretical and Empirical Foundations
The UUT was developed based on the notion that creative thinking involves both convergent and divergent problem solving. Convergent problem solving emphasizes the ability to find the “correct” answer to a given problem. In contrast, divergent problem solving focuses on the ability to generate multiple creative solutions to a given problem (Runco, 2006). The UUT combines both of these approaches to provide a more comprehensive assessment of creative thinking.
The UUT has been validated in several studies. For example, a study by Martin and Boden (2013) found a significant correlation between scores on the UUT and scores on the TTCT. The study also found that the UUT was a better predictor of creative thinking than the TTCT. In addition, a study by Reep and Nussbaum (2015) found that the UUT was predictive of creative performance in a simulated workplace setting.
Structure of the UUT
The UUT consists of three main components: an object, a prompt, and a scoring scale. The object is an everyday item, such as a paper clip or a pencil. The prompt is a question that asks the participant to identify unusual uses for the object. The scoring scale is based on the participant’s ability to generate creative and unique responses to the prompt.
Potential Applications
The UUT has potential applications in a variety of contexts. It can be used to assess creative thinking in both educational and workplace settings. It can also be used to evaluate the creative potential of individuals or teams in a variety of tasks, such as product design, advertisement, film making, and game design.
Conclusion
The Unusual Uses Test (UUT) is a novel approach to assessing creative thinking that takes into account both convergent and divergent problem solving. This article provided an overview of the UUT’s theoretical and empirical foundations, its structure, and its potential applications. Further research is needed to validate and expand the use of the UUT.
References
Guilford, J. P. (1967). The nature of human intelligence. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
Martin, R., & Boden, M. (2013). The validity of the Unusual Uses Test for measuring creative thinking. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 9, 1–7.
Reep, D., & Nussbaum, M. (2015). The Unusual Uses Test and creative thinking in the workplace. Creativity Research Journal, 27(1), 10–15.
Runco, M. A. (2006). Creativity: Theories and themes: Research, development, and practice (3rd ed.). Amsterdam: Academic Press.
Torrance, E. P. (1974). Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking. Bensenville, IL: Scholastic Testing Service.