Divergent Thinking, Intelligence, and Expertise: A Test of Alternative Models

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The relationship between divergent thinking and other cognitive capacities has long been of interest to students of creativity. This study examines the relationship among intelligence, expertise, and divergent thinking as they influence creative problem solving and performance in a sample of 110 military leaders. In a series of causal analyses, it was found that divergent thinking exerted unique effects on creative problem solving that could not be attributed to intelligence or expertise. Intelligence and expertise, however, also contributed to creative problem solving. The implications of these relationships for understanding the effects of divergent thinking, intelligence, and expertise on creative problem solving and creative achievement are discussed.