The relationship of divergent thinking with broad retrieval ability and processing speed: A meta-analysis

The present study aimed to integrate evidence on the relationship among broad retrieval ability (Gr), processing speed (Gs), and divergent thinking (DT) with a three-level meta-analytic approach. The analysis was conducted on 560 effect sizes obtained from 47 studies with an overall sample of 10,391 participants. Results indicated moderate mean correlations for both the Gr–DT (r = 0.47, 95% CI: [0.38, 0.54]) and the Gs–DT relationship (r = 0.31, 95% CI: [0.20, 0.41]). Notably, the correlation between DT and Gr was significantly higher than between DT and Gs, and the former remained significant even after controlling for the Gr–Gs correlation (r = 0.35, 95% CI: [0.26, 0.44]). Moderation analyses revealed that the Gr–DT link was moderated by the modality of DT tests and type of DT indicator, whereas the Gs–DT link was moderated by the modality of DT tests and type of DT instruction. Overall, these findings support the claim on the essential role of broad retrieval ability and processing speed in creative idea production. •Are broad retrieval ability, processing speed, and divergent thinking interrelated?•Retrieval ability (Gr) moderately correlated with divergent thinking (r = 0.47)•Processing speed (Gs) moderately correlated with divergent thinking (r = 0.31)•Gr contributed stronger to divergent thinking than Gs•Both correlations were moderated by modality of divergent thinking tests