Divergent thinking is the process of thinking that explores multiple possible solutions in order to generate creative ideas. Divergent Thinking. Convergent thinking looks for gradual emergence of a solution and proceeds on the assumption that the knowledge, ideas, principles and directions of thinking already known are to a large extent correct. A plant pot, hand warmer, cup and fly swatter are a few suggestions to get you rolling. Brzozowski uses this example to explain the process of divergent thinking – looking for many possible solutions as opposed to arriving consensually at one agreed solution. It is a spontaneous, fluid, non-linear mental approach based on curiosity and nonconformity. Divergent thinking is employed when an individual is faced with an open-ended task (examples were given earlier—“How can a brick be used?”). Converge: Analyze Ideas and Form Solutions Convergent thinking … Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. Divergent th inking typically occurs in a spontaneous, free-flowing manner, such that the ideas are generated in a random, unorganized fashion. It’s best done with an open mind, which is why kids are better at it. From this perspective divergent thinking is a kind of problem solving. This is different from convergent thinking which attempts to find a single, correct answer to a problem. Edward De Bono (1967) introduced the term divergent thinking (lateral thinking) and developed the theory of the six thinking hats (white, red, black, yellow, blue and green). Creativity and the ways in which it can be cultivated become a central subject of psychology. Divergent thinking spurs our thoughts beyond what exists, opening the door of thought to consider new possibilities. Such thinking is often described as linear. We use divergent thinking in the initial stages of ideation on a project or task—when we have a challenge to solve and we need to brainstorm or iterate on creative solutions. Following divergent thinking, the ideas and information will be organized using convergent thinking; i.e., putting the var ious ideas back together in some organized, structured way. Solution for An example of divergent thinking is Reagan brainstorming as many uses of a toothpick as possible in a two-minute period Reagan brainstorming… Convergent thinking is used in accordance with divergent thinking. Divergent Thinking Examples. Divergent thinking on the other hand proceeds differently. Convergent thinking is mostly rational. Divergent thinking, or lateral thinking, is about generating multiple creative solutions to the same problem. 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. Start studying Chapter 7 Cognition, Thinking, & Divergent Thinking. 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