Development of a creativity orientation scale using EFA

In a pilot study, an exploratory factor analysis using a minimum rank factor extraction method and an oblique (Promin) rotation of 30 self-report items on a proposed Creativity Orientation Scale (COS) was conducted on a snowball sample (n = 237). The purpose was to gain more in-depth understanding of attitudes toward and perceptions of creativity and creative individuals within the framework of social identity theory. Using the optimal implementation of Parallel Analysis (PA) retention method, a three-factor solution provided the clearest extraction. Factor 1 (creative-averse orientation) accounted for 37.32% of the variance and had seven items. Factor 2 (creative-approach orientation) accounted for 18.76% of the variance and had eight items. Factor 3 accounted for 8.31% of the variance and had only two items and therefore was not considered salient. Following rotation, these three items accounted for 64.40% of the total variance.