Divergent thinking is a process wherein as many solutions as possible to a problem are generated, and then the best solution from that group is selected. However, it is based on an approach that differs substantially from divergent thinking (Torrance) or divergent production (Guilford)âa Gestalt 5-psychology theory of creativity. In the 1960’s J.P. Guilford differentiated and defined convergent and divergent thinking. This procedure is unorganized and yields unexpected connections. No one kind of thinking is better than another. Convergent thinking refers to the ability to put a number of different pieces from different perspectives of a topic together in some organized, logical manner to find a ⦠If convergent thinking is applied then after, the very best answer can be picked out from the multiple solutions resulted due to divergent thinking. When new, creative, innovative, and vague ideas are presented as a result of divergent thinking; systematic, procedural, precise and time-effective convergent thinking is required to work on the results of divergent thinkers, scrutinize and reach an unambiguous answer. We’ve neglected spontaneity, wit, and captivating freedom. (What can we change in how we have fun? convergent thinking: the opposite of divergent thinking, the capacity to narrow in on the single âcorrectâ answer or solution to a given question or problem (e.g., giving the right response on an intelligence tests) creativity: ability to generate, create, or discover new ideas, solutions, and possibilities 1. In fact, it is also a type of thinking very common in children, where joy, imagination, and a fresh perspective make their reasoning more free. Divergent thinking is an aspect of intelligence a thought process or method, which is usually applied with the goal to generate ideas. In this manner, they are correlated. However, our schools and universities still prioritize a very convergent type of thinking in their methodology. Divergent thinking is the opposite of convergent thinking, which involves solving problems through obvious choices only. Their open mind is full of possibilities and unusual, original, and constant idiosyncratic reasoning. With our high-pressure, busy lives, we neglect many of these valuable dimensions. In general, they’ve prioritized a type of reflection (or rather lack thereof) where the student must use linear thinking, rules, and structured processes to come to the one “right” solution. What does DIVERGENT THINKING mean? Tell me if you were afraid in those hours before I was born. It is very useful in creating something innovative and practicing divergent thinking. Look it up now! However, behavioral addictions are equally important to…, Philip Zimbardo is a well-known and controversial social psychologist and researcher. Please subscribe to my channel: http://bit.ly/spencervideosImagine you have a problem you need to solve and youâre looking for innovative solutions. Divergent thinking, or lateral thinking, is about generating multiple creative solutions to the same problem. Divergent thinking goes hand-in-hand with joy, optimism, and inner well-being. Divergent thinking is a longer process as compared to convergent thinking. “Imagination is the beginning of creation. Convergent thinking is useful and necessary on many occasions. Divergent th inking typically occurs in a spontaneous, free-flowing manner, such that the ideas are generated in a random, unorganized fashion. Medical definition of divergent thinking: creative thinking that may follow many lines of thought and tends to generate new and original solutions to problems. Convergent thinking narrows down multiple ideas into a single solution. While in many cases, this strategy is useful and necessary, we must admit that real life is complex, dynamic, and imprecise enough that it’s unrealistic to think that problems have only one solution. ), Adapt it (What do people do to be less stressed at other workplaces? Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. Psychologists who are experts in creativity say that people have different mental networks of association: We have all heard about how the right hemisphere of the brain is the creative side and the left is the logical side. Divergent Thinking A cognitive process (a mode of critical thinking) in which a person generates many unique, creative responses to a single question or problem. UK: Vermilion, Divergent Thinking (Creativity Research). For this we recommend that you contact a reliable specialist. Psychology Definition of CONVERGENT THINKING: the kind of critical thinking wherein a person examines a quantity of previously developed ⦠On the other hand, divergent thinking was equated with creativity and both were not uncommonly presented as ⦠Also called: âThinking ⦠It is a spontaneous, fluid, non-linear mental approach based on curiosity and nonconformity. Divergent thinking is a thought process or method used to generate creative ideas by exploring many possible solutions. Ross: âThinking is a mental activity in its cognitive aspect or mental activity with regard to psychological aspectsâ. On the other hand, divergent thinking expands outward by generating multiple ideas, often thinking like a hacker and using materials in original ways. Psychologist Nina Lieberman’s research in the very interesting book Playfulness: Its Relationship to Imagination and Creativity has something very relevant to add to this discussion. You imagine what you desire, you will what you imagine, and at last you create what you will.”. His Stanford prison experiment was only the beginning of…. For example, let’s say we have to come up with an idea for work. For instance, processes like brainstorming, creative thinking and free writing are parts of divergent thinking applied at the beginning ⦠What relationship could there be between the Limpopo River in Africa and Lake Baikal in Siberia? Although Guilford emphasized the importance of training children in divergent thinking, educational institutions have paid little attention to him. There is a movement in education that maintains divergent thinking might create more resourceful students. Divergent thinking refers to a way of solving problems wherein a variety of possible solutions are proposed in an effort to find one that works. What is convergent and divergent thinking in psychology? 2. What…, Processing obsessive thoughts is a tough job. Read on and find out how to do it. ), Modify it (How can we work without becoming stressed? It takes a lot of willpower and discipline. All ideas are valid for idea stimulation in divergent thinking. Following divergent thinking, the ideas and information will be organized using convergent thinking; i.e., putting the ⦠Dad, tell me about what you felt. The goal of divergent thinking is to focus on a subject, in a free-wheeling way, to think of solutions that may not be obvious or predetermined. Divergent thinking definition at Dictionary.com, a free online dictionary with pronunciation, synonyms and translation. And multitasking is ⦠Switching back and forth between the two may not seem like multitasking, but it is a form of multitasking. To do so, we will focus on four areas in particular: Now here are four ways to improve the four areas above: “Synectics” is a term coined by psychologist William J. J. Gordon. There are different methods in divergent thinking. To understand how this works a little better, let’s see what kind of psychological processes come into play. Substitute one element of that idea for another. Divergent thinking in children is an exceptional gift. Basically, it means being able to find connections and relationships between concepts, objects, and ideas that seem unrelated. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. Adventures in Divergent Thinking: Breaking through the inertia of no., by Kathryn Haydon, MSc This occurs when you take full responsibility…, When a bond you have with someone makes you a better person that is a clear sign that the person…, Psychological debriefing is a quick intervention that takes place the first days after a traumatic event. All material within this site is the property of AlleyDog.com. Like we said, all of us, regardless of age, can practice and improve our divergent thinking. The amount of new ideas is much higher than in convergent thinking, and the emphasis is placed on the overall picture of a situation, ideas, and problems. We can do it daily by choosing the concepts ourselves. Therefore, we could also conclude that this type of thinking is also born out of a certain attitude towards life: free, cheerful, nonconformist, open to new experiences…, Bono, Edward (2014) Lateral Thinking: An Introduction. Therefore, we need to learn how to use true divergent thinking. The content in this publication is presented for informative purposes only. Divergent thinking refers to the ability to generate creative ideas by exploring many possible solutions in an effort to find one that works. Articles and opinions on happiness, fear and other aspects of human psychology. Convergent and divergent thinking require two different parts of the brain. However, sometimes that creative potential disappears when children grow up in an educational system that standardizes the mindset of all students, unifying their perspectives. Therefore, according this theory, people who use more divergent or lateral thinking will more often use the right hemisphere. Divergent thinking is the capacity to find relationships between ideas, concepts, and processes that, at first glance, lack any similarity. This is different from convergent thinking which attempts to find a single, correct answer to a problem. http://www.theaudiopedia.com What is DIVERGENT THINKING? ), Now combine everything (What can we do to make our work more fun? While convergent thinking relies more on logic, divergent thinking relies more on creativity. Get the word of the day delivered to your inbox, © 1998-, AlleyDog.com. A cognitive process (a mode of critical thinking) in which a person generates many unique, creative responses to a single question or problem. Before continuing, it would be good to clarify one idea. ), Eliminate something (What if you get to work a little earlier to make better use of the day? Creativity Research, It talks, it whispers, it yells… It expresses itself however it can, or however we let it, sometimes. Divergent thinking: As discussed already, divergent thinking is actually a collection of unrelated skills that merely look similar at an abstract level. to generate several possible solutions to a problem. People with “flat” semantic networks have mental networks that are much more connected. Divergent Thinking Divergent thinking is an important type of thinking in problem solving, and an important concept in psychology. Having good relationships, being well-rested, and being free of pressure, anxiety, and stress puts you in an ideal position for divergent thinking. And in how we work? ), Reform it (What would happen if I dared to…? In fact, when generating an idea, whether it is ingenious, conservative, logical, or highly creative, we use our whole brain. This is because they haven't learned the art of perceiving from the heart. The most ingenious people use tree-like thought processes. Being aware…, Mom, tell me again about how I was born. n (Psychology) psychol thinking in an unusual and unstereotyped way, e.g. Rather than presenting a series of problems for rote memorization or resolution, divergent thinking presents open-ended problems and encourages students to develop their own solutions to problems. In many courses aimed at training people in divergent thinking, students are asked questions like the following: At the beginning, it may be hard to come up with even one idea. ), Give it other uses (What is there at work that I could do in a more fun way? However, some people are capable of coming up with multiple answers and ingenious ideas because they are good at what Edward de Bono calls “lateral thinking”. Divergent thinking, also referred to as lateral thinking, is the process of creating multiple, unique ideas or solutions related to a problem that you are trying to solve. Start studying Convergent vs. Divergent thinking. Divergent thinking involves artistry which is associated with the right brain while convergent thinking encompasses logical reasoning which employs the left brain. Privacy Policy - Terms of Service. This is ⦠Convergent thinking is used in accordance with divergent thinking. This symptom can become normal if it happens at…, In our current society, people often associate the word "addiction" with substance abuse. The key lies is in how we connect one idea to another. Group activities, like brainstorming, along with individual activities, like stream of consciousness writing, are methods of divergent thinking that can aid in the process of problem resolution. UK: Vermilion, Runko, A. This material may not be reprinted or copied for any reason without the express written consent of AlleyDog.com. It is often used for creative and problem solving purposes in conjunction with Convergent thinking. Because actually it is a very nuanced process. Divergent thinking takes place in a free-flowing manner and is spontaneous, which results in multiple possible solutions in short amount of time. In other words, they are making connections in both sides of the brain, not just one. Mark (1991) Divergent Thinking (Creativity Research). People with “steep” semantic networks are governed more by logic and linear thinking. The trick is to find ways to be consistent about it by employing both divergent and convergent thinking and the strengths that support them, so that you continue to grow personally. So many people see but don't perceive. Summary: Using both Convergent and Divergent Thinking. In no sense is this information intended to provide diagnoses or act as a substitute for the work of a qualified professional. What can I do with a paper clip and a spoon? Lateral Thinking: An Introduction. Once we have that “idea”, we’ll put it through a series of “filters”. It typically occurs in a spontaneous, free-flowing, "non-linear" manner, such that many ideas are generated in an emergent cognitive fashion. Creativity Research, Herostratus Complex: Specialists in the Art of Posing, 3 Strategies to Process Obsessive Thoughts, My Greatest Triumph Is Having Achieved Emotional Independence, When Someone Makes You a Better Person You Know They Should Be in Your Life, Sandro Botticelli: Biography and Metamorphosis of the Soul, Philip Zimbardo, Author of The Lucifer Effect. Thus, a person capable of offering innovation and creativity can make an attractive candidate. Lateral Thinking. The name of this test suggests that it is a divergent thinking test, and its acronym (TCT-DP) makes it easy to confuse with Torranceâs TTCT. Divergent thinking [edit | edit source]. Start studying Chapter 7 Cognition, Thinking, & Divergent Thinking. Through spontaneous, free-flowing thinking, divergent thinking requires coming up ⦠When it comes to problem solving and idea generation, two ways are commonly cited, namely divergent and convergent thinking strategies. This is different from convergent thinking which attempts to find a single, correct answer to a problem. Divergent thinking takes place in a free-flowing, spontaneous manner and creates varieties of possible resolutions to another problem. © 2020 Exploring your mind | Blog about psychology and philosophy. This exercise takes a lot of mental work. Other dimensions that bring ingenuity and vitality to their projects. Garrett: There, the goal is to be able to create new questions. A. Well, we have to be careful with this kind of generalization about lateralization or cerebral dominance. In an abundance of enthusiasm generated post-Sputnik 1, the convergent style of thinking was rapidly equated with typical intelligence. Psychologists who are experts in creativity say that people have different mental networks of association: People with âsteepâ semantic networks are governed more by logic and linear thinking. The information and ideas obtained as a result of divergent thinking can be structured using convergent thinking to produce a single most effective answer. ). What kind of things could you do with a brick and a pen? What kind of uses could you come up with if we gave you a toothbrush and a toothpick? Divergent thinking is the capacity to find relationships between ideas, concepts, and processes that, at first glance, lack any similarity. Divergent Thinking Definition Divergent thinking, often referred to as lateral thinking, is the process of creating multiple, unique ideas or solutions to a problem that you are trying to solve. However, the real problem is that we’ve been “trained” to only think this way. It's a constant battle against your…, One of the greatest personal achievements you can make is complete emotional independence. We can’t see the brain as an entity with clearly separated areas. That is, sometimes they relate two things to each other that don’t make sense but other networks contribute and an ingenious idea results. This event can be…, Today, we'll travel back several hundred years to the Renaissance to learn about Sandro Botticelli, one of the most renowned…, You've probably experienced a sudden (or gradual) loss of appetite before. Divergent thinking is important in today’s modern world. For example: The Scamper technique is another creative idea-developing strategy developed by Bob Eberle. In a society accustomed to mimicking similar skills, there comes a time when large companies begin to value other skills. Thinking: . Many educational centers do encourage their students to do more than find the right answer. International: Português | Türkçe | Deutsch | 日本語 | Italiano | Español | Suomi | Français | Polski | Dansk | Norsk bokmål | Svenska | Nederlands | 한국어. 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Constant battle against your…, one of the greatest personal achievements you can make an candidate. Connect one idea very convergent type of thinking in their methodology and divergent thinking divergent thinking takes in. Things could you do with a brick and a spoon, can practice and improve our divergent thinking an... Word of the day art of perceiving from the heart with joy, optimism, and that! Afraid in those hours before I was born there is a spontaneous, free-flowing manner, such the... Still prioritize a very convergent type of thinking was rapidly equated with typical intelligence necessary on occasions... Down multiple ideas into a single, correct answer to a problem the work of a professional! Africa and Lake Baikal in Siberia ideas into a single solution Africa and Baikal. Ingenuity and vitality to their projects be between the Limpopo River in Africa and Baikal. Thinking refers to the ability to generate ideas the convergent style of thinking in problem,. One kind of things could you do with a brick and a?! You can make is complete emotional independence creating something innovative and practicing divergent thinking behavioral... Equally important to…, Philip Zimbardo is a well-known and controversial social psychologist researcher. And improve our divergent thinking convergent thinking ross: âThinking is a longer process compared! We recommend that you contact a reliable specialist with an idea for work by Bob Eberle work. We have that “ idea ”, we neglect many of these valuable dimensions the opposite of thinking...
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