What is DIVERGENT THINKING?

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What does DIVERGENT THINKING mean? DIVERGENT THINKING meaning - DIVERGENT THINKING definition - DIVERGENT THINKING explanation. What is the meaning of DIVERGENT THINKING? What is the definition of DIVERGENT THINKING? What does DIVERGENT THINKING stand for? What is DIVERGENT THINKING meaning? What is DIVERGENT THINKING definition?

Divergent thinking is a thought process or method used to generate creative ideas by exploring many possible solutions. It is often used in conjunction with its cognitive colleague, convergent thinking, which follows a particular set of logical steps to arrive at one solution, which in some cases is a ‘correct’ solution. By contrast, divergent thinking typically occurs in a spontaneous, free-flowing, 'non-linear' manner, such that many ideas are generated in an emergent cognitive fashion. Many possible solutions are explored in a short amount of time, and unexpected connections are drawn. After the process of divergent thinking has been completed, ideas and information are organized and structured using convergent thinking.

The psychologist J.P. Guilford first coined the terms convergent thinking and divergent thinking in 1956.

Developing one's divergent thinking skills is thought to enhance creativity. Creativity can be seen as an ability to retrieve and connect disparate concepts stored in long-term memory systems. Concepts are connected in our brains in 'semantic networks'. Psychologists have proposed that individual differences in creativity are due to differences in whether associative networks were 'steep' or 'flat'- those with 'flat' networks have numerous and loose conceptual connections, enabling them to be more creative. Those with 'steep' networks tend to have more logical, linear associations between nodes. Someone with a flat network quickly and creatively hops – node to node – something someone ‘linear’ in their thinking would struggle with.

Psychologists have found that a high IQ alone does not guarantee creativity. Instead, personality traits that promote divergent thinking are more important. Divergent thinking is found among people with personality traits such as nonconformity, curiosity, willingness to take risks, and persistence.

Activities which promote divergent thinking include creating lists of questions, setting aside time for thinking and meditation, brainstorming, subject mapping, bubble mapping, keeping a journal, playing tabletop role-playing games, creating artwork, and free writing. In free writing, a person will focus on one particular topic and write non-stop about it for a short period of time, in a stream of consciousness fashion.