Ideational fluency as a predictor of original problem solving

A study with 50 college students gave evidence of the empirical validity of nonoverlapping scores of original problem solving on a lenient solution-standard predictor (the Wallach and Kogan Creativity Battery), by high correlations with corresponding scores on stringent solution-standard criterion tasks (a series similar to those used by E. Debono [1967] and N. R. F. Maier [1952]). Findings provide support for the construct validity of conceptualizations of original problem solving based on ideational fluency, and specify the critical role of unusual responses of low quality. The relative efficacy in predicting real-world creative attainments of tasks with a lenient vs a stringent standard for solutions is discussed. (22 ref)