Testing the Domain Specificity of Creativity with Kaufman Domains of Creativity Scale: A Meta‐Analytic Confirmatory Factor Analysis

Abstract

ABSTRACTDomain‐specificity is a topic of debate within the field of creativity. To shed light on this issue, we conducted a meta‐analysis of cross‐domain correlations based on the Kaufman Domains of Creativity Scale (K‐DOCS). To evaluate the model fit of one general factor versus two factors that encompass the primary K‐DOCS subscales (Scholarly, Everyday, Artistic, Scientific, and Performance), we employed the one‐stage meta‐analytic structural equation modeling (OSMASEM) approach. Poor fit of these models would provide evidence of domain‐specificity, as the proposed models would not outperform the independence model. Our analysis included 45 correlation matrices from 30 studies, with a total sample size of 31,136 participants. The results provided support for a general domain of creativity, as well as a two‐factor solution consisting of Arts and Sciences factors. Among the subscales, the highest correlation was found between the Artistic and Performance domains (r = .478), while the smallest correlation was observed between the Everyday and Scientific domains (r = .178). Furthermore, moderator analyses incorporating age and gender revealed that the Scientific and Everyday subscales exhibited a stronger factor load in older participants compared to younger participants. Implications are discussed for research and practice.