Convergent thinking is a term coined by joy paul guilford as the opposite of divergent thinking. Dec 02, 20 divergent thinking is taken to represent a style of thinking that allows many new ideas being generated, in a context where more than one solution is correct. Bringing facts and data together from various sources and then applying logic and knowledge to solve problems, achieve objectives or to make informed decisions is known as thinking convergently. Criteria are purposefully applied as we screen, select, evaluate, and refine the options, all the. Previous empirical research suggests that problem discovery is an important step in the creative process. Extending the effects of an episodic specificity induction kevin p. Divergent thinking tools divergence is the process of thinking broadly. Both convergent and divergent thinking are of benefit to the human being.
Introduction divergent thinking is the process of generating different possible solutions for a given problem, while convergent thinking is evaluating and selecting accurate solution based on. At certain points in the creative process, thinking and focus needs to shift. Convergent thinking definition of convergent thinking by. I was just curious to know if you were either a divergent or convergent thinker. Divergent thinking and constructing episodic simulations. An impressive 98% of 5yearolds scored at the genius level in such a test of divergent thinking.
The divergent thinking aspect, however, was not related to the standard version. Pass out one of the two divergent thinking forms or use a plain sheet of paper. Divergent thinking is the process of thinking that explores multiple possible solutions in order to generate creative ideas its a straight forward process that focuses on figuring out the most effective answer. Divergent thinking tests have received suggestions for improvement. Divergent and convergent thinking divergent and convergent. These tests contrast with convergent thinking tests in which there is but a single solution, e.
The information and ideas obtained as a result of divergent thinking can be structured using convergent thinking to produce a single. Tests of dt are useful estimates of the potential for creative problem solving. The process of figuring out a concrete solution to any problem is called convergent thinking. Divergent thinking is stimulated by openended questionsquestions with many possible answers, such as the. Divergent thinking puzzles aims center for math and. Problem discovery, divergent thinking, and the creative process. This weeks puzzle corner activity is an adaptation of a classic puzzle from recreational mathematics. Divergent thinking is the process of generating multiple ideas to maximize the range of possible solutions, applications, examples, etc.
Divergent creative thinking in young and older adults. Results show better divergentthinking performance with unconstrained than with constrained walking, and better performance for walking than. Divergent and convergent thinking in this unit well look as some of the ways we can describe creativity and examine the concepts of divergent and convergent thinking. Runco, 2010, and to essentially equate creativity with the capacity for convergent and divergent thinking e. It is processoriented and needs prolonged decision time. In science and engineering, this is followed by evaluation of the answers and a choice of optimal solution. Fluency is considered as a contaminating factor because higher fluency scores accompany higher scores on originality and flexibility starko, 2005. Keywords divergent thinking, convergent thinking, open problem solving, data structures, multiple solution generation.
The challenge during divergent thinking is pushing through the initial blockers, blinders, and biases, and resisting the natural inclinations to turn. Divergent thinking is a thought process or method used to generate creative ideas by exploring many possible solutions. It means avoiding the traditional teaching method that emphasizes convergent thinking, in which a student memorizes existing mathematical rules and theorems. On the other hand, divergent thinking was equated with creativity and both were not uncommonly presented as. This procedure is unorganized and yields unexpected connections. Divergent and convergent thinking skills are both important aspects of intelligence, problem solving and critical thinking. Cultivating divergent thinking in mathematics through an. Ritter, conceptualization, data curation, formal analysis. Divergent thinking is thinking outwards instead of inward. Combine and build use one idea as a springboard for. The second is that creative thinking can be stimulated by teachers efforts.
Teaching and learning of divergent and convergent thinking. They are different in what they think about, and how they express this difference. You have 4 choices that could state if you are either divergent, allegiant, convergent, or insurgent. Convergent and divergent thinking in verbal analogy article pdf available in thinking and reasoning 214.
Convergent thinking, the bias of which is to assume that there is a correct way to do things, is inherently conservative. Three divergent thinking tests were administered to a group of adolescents. Especially in definitive areas, convergent thinking is very beneficial because it allows the mind to focus upon the single. In an abundance of enthusiasm generated postsputnik 1, the convergent style of thinking was rapidly equated with typical intelligence.
It is the ability to develop original and unique ideas and then come up with a problem solution or achieve an objective. How to use divergent and convergent thinking to improve. Defer judgment deferring judgment isnt the same as having no judgment. In the convergent thinking process, choice is deliberate and conscious. Divergent thinking exercises are a great way to warm up thinking before an exam or to get energized before tackling a new topic. List all of the muscles of the body that you can think of off the top of your head.
It could proceed in a variety of pathways, stemming from one main point. Creative problem solving and design thinking epale. This quiz is based on the trilogy by veronica roth. How to use divergent and convergent thinking to improve your. Pdf convergent and divergent thinking in verbal analogy. Modulation of convergent and divergent thinking by transcranial direct current stimulation tdcs sharon zmigrod, lorenza s. The probably best example is a brainstorming session, which has the aim of generating as many ideas on a particular issue as possible.
Problem discovery, divergent thinking, and the creative. It typically occurs in a spontaneous, freeflowing, non linear manner, such that many ideas are generated in an emergent cognitive fashion. Guide your groups thinking process to new heights of productivity one of the simplest, most valuable skills a brainstorm facilitator can develop is the ability to read the direction in which their groups thoughts are flowing. Guilfords description of divergent thinking was that it is an inductive, innovative, and inventive way of thinking. The present investigation was conducted to examine the role of problem discovery in the divergent thinking and creative performance of adolescents. Divergent thinking, also referred to as lateral thinking, is the process of creating multiple, unique ideas or solutions related to a problem that you. Write the stimuli on the whiteboard or have it appear on a powerpoint slide. Convergent thinking involves finding the one right solution to a problem 4. It typically occurs in a spontaneous, freeflowing, nonlinear manner, such that many ideas are generated in an emergent cognitive fashion. Divergent and convergent thinking in the ideation process. Divergence and convergence of mental forces of children in.
Nov 17, 2017 convergent vs divergent thinking, differences. Convergent and divergent thinking a pedagogical approach for classrooms. Divergence and convergence the convergent phase is. Divergent thinkers have a real preference for unusual, original and idiosyncratic responses. Divergent thinkers can take one problem and pull multiple solutions and ideas from one origin. On the other hand, divergent thinking was equated with creativity and both were not uncommonly presented as competing or. Thus, divergent thinking is relevant in creativity since it generates. Divergent thinking and constructing episodic simulations donna rose addis1, ling pan2, regina musicaro2, and daniel l. Some can turn off the divergent thinking at times, but others cannot.
Divergent thinking is not synonymous with creative thinking, but the research presented in this volume suggests that divergent thinking is an important component of the creative process. Not only that, but the convergent and divergent thinking aspects were. Seeking as many options as possible fan divergent thinking 15. Nov 17, 2017 divergent thinking takes place in a freeflowing manner and is spontaneous, which results in multiple possible solutions in short amount of time. Well look at generating more ideas, how to critique and make improvements, and continue to practice our development of ideas. Divergent thinking is the process of generating multiple related ideas for a given topic or solutions to a problem 3. Divergent creative thinking in young and older adults scholars at.
When it comes to problem solving and idea generation, two ways are commonly cited, namely divergent and convergent thinking strategies. You start by looking in your closet to explore options. Jun 22, 2011 alternate uses task divergent thinking in this task based on guilford, 1967, and translated into dutch, participants were asked to list as many possible uses for a common household item cup as they can within 5 min. Many possible solutions are explored in a short amount of time, and unexpected. Divergent thinking treats all ideas equally divergent thinking is often hard to measure divergent behavior in larger classrooms might cause disruption. To select the best of our divergent options, determine their potential value. Divergent and convergent thinking is not just for creativity in the workplace. Alternate uses task divergent thinking in this task based on guilford, 1967, and translated into dutch, participants were asked to list as many possible uses for a common household item cup as they can within 5 min. Focus on winnowing out the impractical, and clustering ideas that are similar the start of convergent.
Schacter2 1school of psychology and the centre for brain research, the university of auckland. He asked simple questions and then did mental exercises to solve problems. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. This chapter presents the basics of divergent thinking, covering theoretical support and an overview of the different kinds of dt tests and the various scoring methods. Divergent thinking generally resists the accepted ways of doing things and seeks alternatives. It generally means the ability to give the correct answer to standard questions that do not require significant creativity, for instance in most tasks in school and on standardized multiplechoice tests for intelligence. Listening to happy music facilitates divergent thinking.
The divergent phase is nonlinear and needs chaos time. Divergent thinking dt plays a critical role in many creative efforts. The results are described in their book break point and beyond. Valid reasons why divergent thinking is often discouraged in classrooms.
Brain dopamine function and performance on divergent and convergent thinking tasks the studies of this thesis provide empirical evidence that creativity is not a homogeneous concept. Divergent thinking is taken to represent a style of thinking that allows many new ideas being generated, in a context where more than one solution is correct. It generally means the ability to give the correct answer to standard questions that do not require significant creativity, for instance in most tasks in school and. It is traditionally posed as a thought problem to be worked out in your head.
Divergent thinking typically generates alternatives, has freeforall open discussion, gathers diverse points of view and unpacks the problem. How convergent and divergent thinking foster creativity. In one interesting study, they administered their test to groups of 5, 10 and 15 year olds. Divergence and convergence the convergent phase is goaloriented and. Divergent thinking takes place in a freeflowing manner and is spontaneous, which results in multiple possible solutions in short amount of time. Convergent thinking is the mental process of deriving the best. Avoid judging ideas as either bad or good in the divergentthinking phase. The impact of physical exercise on convergent and divergent. Teachers can, for example, encourage students divergent thinkingideas that are openended and that lead in many directions torrance, 1992.
Divergent thinking is the process of thinking that explores multiple possible solutions in order to generate creative ideas. Divergent and convergent thinking linkedin slideshare. Divergent thinking assessments have openended questions or tasks to stimulate a variety of ideas. Anne manning demonstrates the concepts of divergent and convergent thinking to inspire new ways to approach problemsolving with your team. On one test of convergent thinking, word grouping, results favored the regular school groups. Combine and build use one idea as a springboard for another. Schacter2 1school of psychology and the centre for brain research, the university of auckland, auckland, new zealand 2department of psychology, harvard university, cambridge, ma, usa received 23 july 2014. There are two fundamental thinking tools that are very different and, at the same time, very useful in the process of creative thinking. Convergent and divergent thinking flashcards quizlet.
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