Creativity: Exploring Factor Structure of the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking in Chinese Preschoolers

Abstract

This study investigated the structural exploration of creativity in Chinese preschoolers using the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking-Figural (TTCT-Figural). The participants were 256 children aged 4–6 from a public kindergarten in Shanghai, with an average age of 4.79 years (SD = 0.63). Building upon prior research and integrating Kirton's Adaptive-Innovative theory, this study examined both single-factor and two-factor models. The results indicated that the superiority of the two-factor models over the single-factor model, with optimal fit indicating fluency and originality loading on the innovative factor and elaboration, abstractness of titles, and creative strengths loaded on the adaptive factor. Resistance to premature closure was found to load on both adaptive and innovative factors. Gender invariance analysis indicated no significant differences between boys and girls, highlighting the consistency of the creativity construct regardless of gender. The confirmatory factor analyses underscored the efficacy of the two-factor model, offering valuable insights into the creative thinking processes of Chinese preschoolers assessed through TTCT-Figural. These findings enhance our understanding of creativity in early childhood education, emphasizing the significance of gender-neutral creativity evaluations at this developmental stage.