TESTS FOR CREATIVE ABILITY IN MACHINE DESIGN
Abstract
This study concerns primarily the identification of creative machine design ability at the industrial level. Prediction of creative ability at the time individuals begin specialized engineering courses in college is also considered. Six special ability tests and a personality test were constructed in an effort to identify creative machine design ability. Two experimental test batteries were assembled, each consisting of 3 special ability tests and a personality test. Tests comprising Battery A were Mechanical Ingeuity-Power Source Apparatus (PSA); Three-Dimensional Space Relations Test (3-D); Figure Matrices Test (FM); and Personal Inventory (PI). Tests in Battery B included Mechanical Ingenuity-Design A Machine Test (DM), Number Series Test (NS), and Unstructured Test for Creativity in Machine Design (Unstr.). The Personal History Form was included in both batteries. Sixteen companies, contributing a total of 136 engineers, cooperated in supplying personnel for testing. Battery A was administered to 70 men, and Battery B was given to 66 men. The results of the measures of association obtained among discriminating items on the several tests were restricted, both by item reliability, and by the fact that all items were correlated with the criterion. Further item construction was postponed until more information about present items could be collected.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 15, 1953
- Accession Number
- AD0021284
Entities
People
- C. F. Schumacher
- G. R. Maxson
- H. Martinex
Organizations
- Iowa State University