DO STANDARDIZED MULTIPLE-CHOICE TESTS PENALIZE DEEP-THINKING OR CREATIVE STUDENTS?

Abstract

The objective of the study reported here was to explore the relationship of Graduate Record Examinations® (GRE®) General Test scores to selected personality traits—conscientiousness, rationality, ingenuity, quickness, creativity, and depth. A sample of 342 GRE test takers completed short personality inventory scales for each trait. Analyses revealed statistically significant, but slight (positive) correlations of GRE verbal, quantitative, and analytical scores with both creativity and quickness. (Quickness was defined here by, for instance, the ability to handle a lot of information and the ability to understand things.) The results also revealed significant, but very slight (negative) correlations of GRE scores with conscientiousness.