Critical evaluation of the Obscure Figures Test as an instrument for measuring "cognitive innovation"

The Obscure Figure Test has been conceptualized by Acker and McReynolds (1965) as a measure of Cognitive Innovation. As a general concept Cognitive Innovation refers to an integration of different kinds of behavioral systems, e.g., creativity and exploratory behavior. Considering recent research about the relationship between curiosity and creativity as well as basic assumptions underlying this test, it is hypothesized that this is an instrument for measuring creativity rather than curiosity. 41 boys and 41 girls ranging from 7 to 10 yr. of age were given a battery of tests of curiosity and creativity. There were significant correlations between Obscure Figures Test and creativity measures. No such relationships were found between obscure figures and curiosity measures. A factor analysis yielded two factors which could be interpreted as "visual exploration" and "creativity", the obscure figures being a marker variable on the latter factor. Results are discussed in terms of the theoretical assumptions underlying the concepts of curiosity, creativity, and Cognitive Innovation. Further implications with respect to the requirements for an operationalization of Cognitive Innovations are mentioned.