Creativity Assessment

Test Number	12
Title	Biographical Inventory - Form U
Author	IBRIC
Category	Self-Report Inventory
Copyright Date	1978
Availability	Contact publisher.
Restrictions
Age/Grade Level	Grades 7-12
Cost	Contact publisher.
Forms
Source	Institute for Behavioral Research in Creativity
Address	1570 South 1100 East Salt Lake City, UT 84105
Phone	801-487-3209
Fax	801-487-3771
web or e-mail
Definition	Creativity is measured by independence, extent of participation in self-initiated activities, and interest in thinking up and trying new ideas.
Purposes	This instrument is designed to provide information that can aid in identification of the gifted and talented. The creativity measure assesses independence, self-initiated learning activities, past accomplishments, and initiative.
Characteristics	Generating Ideas Digging Deeper into Ideas Openness and Courage to Explore Ideas Listening to One's Inner Voice

Manual
Fair	The manual is dated as are the norms. Presented is a discussion of: definition and purposes, theoretical rationale, target populations,uses, validity and reliability evidence, research citations, history and development, administration, scoring , and inte

Validity
Fair	Two studies with high school students, r = .30 with artistic potential, a study of cross validities resulted in .70.

Reliability
Fair	In a 1978 study on six scales internal consistency ranged from .77 to .89 in general, the range for the creativity scale was .79 to .82, and the range for the artistic scale was .83 to .89.

Utility
Good	The instrument can be administered, untimed, in about 60 minutes to groups by any professional. The multiple-choice items are based on past behavior experience, and self-descriptions. The directions are clear and appropriate. Scoring is external.

Interpretation
Good	The creativity measure was developed on adult scientists, engineers, nurses, and artists. It seems to be bias free. Scales are described clearly.

Propriety
Good	Could be useful in a variety of situations calling for additional information about student characteristics and potentials. Should only be used as a research tool, or when supplemented with other data.

Reviews & Related Lit

(TiP V, 1999) The publisher’s materials include citations of supporting research with the most resent article dated 1974. MMY #9, 1985, Borman, C.: “It is recommended that the Biographical Inventory – Form U be used with caution until more validity evidence and a well planned norm sample becomes available.” Lee, C. C.: “...its major strength would appear to be its potential usefulness, in concert with other assessment techniques, in identifying unusual creative or leadership potential.”