The Barron Welsh Art Scale (BWAS) is a non-verbal measure of creativity. It is very flexible in that it does not require respondents (children or adults) to read or write, and it can be administered in any language. Participants are asked to draw images which are then evaluated using scales based on Freudian primary processes.
In Freudian theory, primary processes in ego funtioning are processes such as symbolization, condensation, and substitution. Secondary processes stress logic, planfulness, goal directedness, and adherence to form. A high score on the BWAS indicates greater strength of primary processes in ego functioning, but the secondary processes will not be missing; both primary and secondary processes will be accessible in a truly creative person.
Studies claim that the BWAS does identify creative talent independently of intelligence, personal soundness, gender, age, and other determinants. For more information, visit Mindgarden.com.
Authors
Frank X. Barron & George S. Welsh
Obtaining the BWAS
