| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Description | The Alternate Uses Test (also referred to as Guilford’s Alternate Uses) is a revised version of the Unusual Uses test (Wilson, Guilford, Christensen, & Lewis, 1954), originally created to explore “flexibility of thinking” in the study of creative thought. Each item presents a familiar object (e.g., a newspaper) along with its standard use. Participants must list up to six alternative, uncommon uses for the object within the allotted time. The test is split into two timed sections, each containing three items, to promote equitable time distribution. Forms B and C were introduced for use in comparative studies or to enhance reliability by administering both forms. |
| Alternate Test Names | Guilford’s Alternate Uses |
| Acronyms | ALTUS |
| Authors | J. P. Guilford; Paul R. Christensen; Philip R. Merrifield; Robert C. Wilson |
| Publisher | Mind Garden, Inc. |
| Purpose | To measure creative thinking, specifically “flexibility of thinking.” |
| Construct | Creative Thinking; Creativity; Flexibility |
| Instrument Type | Inventory/Questionnaire |
| Number of Items | The test consists of two parts, each containing three items. |
| Format | Participants list up to six alternative uses for a given object. The test comprises two timed parts, each with three items, designed to encourage equitable time management across all items. |
| Reliability | Reliability estimates were derived for 6th graders (.85 to .91), 9th graders (.75 to .86), and adults (.75 to .86) using scales of varying lengths (6, 9, and 12 items). Test-retest reliability for Form A ranged from .54 to .67, and for Form B from .53 to .63, based on a sample of 489 5th-7th graders. |
| Validity | Construct validity, including factorial validity, is extensively documented in the test manual. |
| Factor Analysis | No factor analysis indicated. |
| Test Methodology | Test Validity; Construct Validity; Test Reliability; Test-Retest Reliability |
| Administration Method | Paper-based |
| Classification | 5400 Cognitive Processes, Memory, and Decision Making |
| Population Group | Human; Male; Female |
| Keywords | Alternate Uses; Creative Thinking; Flexibility; Fluency; Originality; Elaboration; Guilford’s Alternate Uses |
| Index Terms | Adaptability (Personality); Cognitive Processes; Creativity; Creativity Assessment; Thinking |
| Commercial | Yes |
| Fee | Yes |
| Reference | Guilford, J. P., Christensen, P. R., Merrifield, P. R., & Wilson, R. C. (1960). Guilford’s Alternate Uses Test. Mind Garden, Inc. http://www.mindgarden.com |
Cite this article
Mohammed looti (2026). Alternate Uses (ALTUS). PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES. Retrieved from https://scales.arabpsychology.com/s/alternate-uses-altus/
Mohammed looti. "Alternate Uses (ALTUS)." PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES, 4 Apr. 2026, https://scales.arabpsychology.com/s/alternate-uses-altus/.
Mohammed looti. "Alternate Uses (ALTUS)." PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES, 2026. https://scales.arabpsychology.com/s/alternate-uses-altus/.
Mohammed looti (2026) 'Alternate Uses (ALTUS)', PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES. Available at: https://scales.arabpsychology.com/s/alternate-uses-altus/.
[1] Mohammed looti, "Alternate Uses (ALTUS)," PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES, vol. X, no. Y, ص Z-Z, April, 2026.
Mohammed looti. Alternate Uses (ALTUS). PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES. 2026;vol(issue):pages.