The Remote Associates Test as a predictor of productivity in brainstorming groups

Abstract

Two studies investigated the validity of the Remote Associates Test (RAT) in predicting productivity in brainstorming groups. In Study 1 groups of high and low RAT scorers discussed two problems relevant to social concerns (energy conservation, rape prevention). In Study 2 Alternate Uses and Consequences problems were discussed by groups composed of heterogeneous RAT scorers. In each study the RAT was significantly related to fluency, flexibility, and originality of ideas generated by group members, with these effects appearing consistently across problems. In addition, Study 2 indicated that the RAT relationships to creativity indices were independent of verbal intelligence. Preliminary data were also gathered regarding RAT relationships to idea generation while working individually and to the potential value of the Marlowe- Crowne Scale as a predictor of brainstorming productivity.