Self-Assessing Creative Problem Solving for Aspiring Software Developers: A Pilot Study

TL;DR

This paper introduces a validated self-assessment tool for computing students to measure their creative problem-solving skills across multiple dimensions, aiding educational research.

Contribution

It presents a novel, psychometrically validated self-assessment instrument covering seven creativity dimensions for higher education computing students.

Findings

The tool demonstrates strong psychometric properties.

Dimensions cluster into ability, mindset, and interaction constructs.

Pilot study with 269 students supports its reliability.

Abstract

We developed a self-assessment tool for computing students in higher education to measure their Creative Problem Solving skills. Our survey encompasses 7 dimensions of creativity, based on existing validated scales and conducted focus groups. These are: technical knowledge, communication, constraints, critical thinking, curiosity, creative state of mind, and creative techniques. Principal axis factor analysis groups the dimensions into three overarching constructs: ability, mindset, and interaction. The results of a pilot study (n = 269) provide evidence for its psychometric qualities, making it a useful instrument for educational researchers to investigate students' creative skills.