How Is Intelligence Test Performance Associated with Creative Achievement? A Meta-Analysis.

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Cognitive Science
• Creativity Research

Background:

• Understanding the relationship between cognitive abilities and creative output is crucial.
• Previous research has yielded mixed findings on the intelligence-creativity link.
• A comprehensive meta-analysis is needed to synthesize existing evidence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantitatively synthesize the relationship between intelligence test scores and creative achievement.
• To examine potential moderators, such as domain of creativity.
• To assess publication bias in the intelligence-creativity literature.

Main Methods:

• A three-level meta-analysis was conducted.
• Data were aggregated from 30 independent studies, comprising 117 correlation coefficients.
• Statistical analyses were performed to estimate the overall effect size and explore heterogeneity.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant, albeit modest, positive correlation (r = .16) was found between intelligence test scores and creative achievement.
• The effect size was larger for scientific creativity compared to artistic or everyday creativity.
• No evidence of publication bias was detected, suggesting robust findings.

Conclusions:

• Intelligence test scores show a small but consistent association with creative achievement.
• The domain of creativity influences the strength of this relationship.
• Future research should consider domain-specific investigations and theoretical advancements.