The second question (List as many words as you can that rhyme with 'lead') is an example of divergent thinking. For example, if someone asked you what 2 + 2 is, you know there is only one solution that works and that you can use your understanding of addition and numbers to find the best answer, which is 4. just create an account. Sternberg, R. Sternberg, K & Mio, J. - Definition, Subjects & Importance, The Importance of Visual Perception in Cognitive Processes, Biological and Biomedical Example of Convergent and Divergent Thinking (5) Convergent thinking is thought to be, in the field of psychology, a cognitive process in which ideas are examined for their logical validity or in which a set of rules are followed. Learn about convergent thinking, how it differs from divergent thinking, and more. A cognitive process (a mode of critical thinking) in which a person generates many unique, creative responses to a single question or problem. “Thinking is a behaviour which is often implicit and hidden and in which symbols are ordinarily employed”. Teaching Creativity to Business Undergraduates, Threshold Effects of Creative Problem-Solving Attributes on Creativity in the Math Abilities of Taiwanese Upper Elementary Students, It's possible to become 10% more creative. You can test out of the (2012). Psychology Definition of CONVERGENT THINKING: the kind of critical thinking wherein a person examines a quantity of previously developed resolutions in effort to … Reflect on your own cognitive style. Convergent thinking is a term used to describe the process of finding a single best solution to a problem. Other examples of convergent thinking include: Convergent thinking is the process of finding a single best solution to one problem. succeed. In this sense divergent thinking depends partly on its converse, convergent thinking, which is focused, logical reasoning about ideas and experiences that lead to specific answers. This is in contrast to convergent thinking, which relies on focusing on a finite number of solutions rather than proposing multiple solutions. Over 83,000 lessons in all major subjects, {{courseNav.course.mDynamicIntFields.lessonCount}}, Cognitive Perspective of Learning & Information Processing, The Two-Store Model of Memory: Types of Memory and Storage, Categories of Memory: Sensory & Long-Term, Improving Retrieval of Memories: Mnemonic Devices, Retrieving Long-Term Memories: Interference, Amnesia & State-Dependent Memory, Knowledge Organization: Schemata and Scripts, How to Advance Creativity in a Learning Environment, Top-Down Processing: Examples & Definition, What is Educational Bias?- Definition & Types, Bell Ringer Activity Ideas for Science Classes, Higher Level Thinking Questions for Reading, One-Way Communication: Definition & Examples, Understanding and Teaching the Digital Generation, What Are Liberal Arts? This process is more analytical and “realistic.” It uses logic to narrow down ideas. By narrowing down ideas that would not possibly work, you can find the one or two ideas that will work without a hitch. Determine if the improper integrals converges or diverges. For instance, someone relying on convergent thinking would answer “you read it” to the query “what can you do with a newspaper?” In contrast, “you use it as a dustpan” is a … sum_n=0^infty 5e^-1, Working Scholars® Bringing Tuition-Free College to the Community. Convergent thinking is mostly rational. divergent thinking: the opposite of convergent thinking, the capacity for exploring multiple potential answers or solutions to a given question or problem (e.g., coming up with many different uses for a … convergent thinking. credit-by-exam regardless of age or education level. Convergent thinking works best in situations where a single best correct answer exists and it is possible to discover the answer through analyzing available stored information. It is often used in conjunction with convergent thinking, which follows a particular set of logical steps to arrive at one solution, which in some cases is a “correct” solution. The problem of convergent thinking is systematic and logical, unlike divergent thinking, which is spontaneous and free-flowing. Convergent thinking definition: analytical, usually deductive , thinking in which ideas are examined for their logical... | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples This part of the thinking process requires looking for fallacies and potential problems. 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Divergent thinking definition at Dictionary.com, a free online dictionary with pronunciation, synonyms and translation. Convergent thinking is used when there is a … If the integrals converges, find the limit. {{courseNav.course.topics.length}} chapters | first two years of college and save thousands off your degree. When using convergent thinking, we apply logical steps in order to determine what is the single best solution. 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. Did you know… We have over 220 college What If? Whenever we use divergent thinking, we search for options instead of just choosing among predetermined options. study Convergent thinking occurs when the solution to a problem can be deduced by applying established rules and logical reasoning. Start studying Convergent vs. Divergent thinking. So instead, lets break down categories of thoughts. Divergent thinking is the process of creating many unique solutions in order to solve a problem. 4. Convergent thinking is the type of thinking we do when solving a well-defined, straightforward, correct answer to a problem. 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AP Calculus Exam Calculator: What's Allowed? Thinking No matter how much you may try to deny it, you do think!!! In the convergent thinking process, choice is deliberate and conscious. References . Divergent thinkingtakes place in a free-flowing manner and is spontaneous, which results in multiple possible solutions in short amount of time. Define divergent thinking. Convergent thinking is a process whereby a person arrives at a single, correct answer. William D.S. List as many words as you can that rhyme with lead. For this activity, list three jobs for which you feel convergent thinking would be better, and three jobs for which you feel that divergent thinking would be more appropriate. Write a reflective journal entry describing your cognitive style and provide a rationale or examples. Earn Transferable Credit & Get your Degree, Divergent Thinking: Definition & Examples, Cognitive Thinking: Creativity, Brainstorming and Convergent & Divergent Thinking, Divergent Thinking in Psychology: Definition & Examples, Types of Creativity: Descriptions & Examples, The Relationship Between Intelligence & Creativity, Functional Fixedness in Psychology: Definition & Examples, Atkinson & Shiffrin's Modal Model of Memory, What Is Inductive Reasoning? n. (Psychology) psychol analytical, usually deductive, thinking in which ideas are examined for their logical validity or in which a set of rules is followed, e.g. When you are done, you should be able to: To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member. Create your account. Divergent thinking is employed when an individual is faced with an open-ended task (examples were given earlier—“How can a brick be used?”). There are benefits and drawbacks associated with both convergent and divergent thinking. Not sure what college you want to attend yet? Here you are asking the first graders to pick a single best solution to the question based off a list of predetermined solutions. Convergent Thinking At certain points in the creative process, thinking and focus needs to shift. Determine whether the improper integral \int_2^\infty \frac{1}{x(\ln x)^4}\,dx converges. Gilmer: “Thinking is a problem-solving process in which we use ideas or symbols in place of overt activity”. Jennifer has a Ph.D. in Psychology. School systems tend to assess and reward convergent thinking. It’s necessary! This procedure is unorganized and yields unexpected connections. Traditional intelligence tests, such as the Stanford-Binet, also measure convergent testing. flashcard set{{course.flashcardSetCoun > 1 ? To learn more, visit our Earning Credit Page. What is the Difference Between Blended Learning & Distance Learning? Divergent thinking works best in problems that are open-ended and allow for creativity. 3. Get the unbiased info you need to find the right school. If it converges, evaluate it. Such thinking is often described as linear. Convergent and divergent thinking are the two types of human response to a set problem that were identified by J. P. Guilford. The Best Free Education of 2012: Study.com People's Choice Awards Winners, Free Courses with the Best User Experience: Study.com's People's Choice Award Winner, Best New Face in Free Education: Study.com's People's Choice Award Winner, Best Non-Video Free Courses: Study.com's People's Choice Award Winner, Best Free Instructional Supplement: Study.com's People's Choice Award Winner, Best Advocate for Free Education: Study.com's People's Choice Award Winner. Mason, Ohio: Cengage Convergent Thinking A cognitive process (a mode of critical thinking) in which a person attempts to find a single, correct answer to a problem. Convergent thinking emphasizes speed, accuracy, and logic and focuses on recognizing the familiar, reapplying techniques, and accumulating stored information. We often think using concepts, … Continue reading "Thinking" Divergent Thinking Definition. 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Convergent thinking is a style of thought that attempts to consider all available information and arrive at the single best possible answer. courses that prepare you to earn To select the best of our divergent options, determine their potential value. is an example of convergent thinking. There is no single best answer. Mohsin: “Thinking is an implicit problem-solving behaviour”. Divergent thinking, on the other hand, is when a person thinks creatively, outside the box, and in … For example, a primarily convergent thinker may be comfortable in an accounting job, whereas a primarily divergent thinker may better enjoy a job in advertising. It is oriented toward deriving the single best, or most often correct answer to a question. Divergent thinking, on the other hand, is when a person thinks creatively, outside the box, and in a non-linear fashion. https://www.thefreedictionary.com/convergent+thinking, We're talking about leadership that strives to be pioneering, that has a cadence for all things experiential, a bottom-up approach that balances and intersects with analytical, The process of creativity requires an open-mind and curiosity for generation of new ideas (divergent thinking or analysis) and then combining these ideas into beneficial result (, Drawing on logic, systemic reasoning and imagination to explore the possibilities, design thinking approaches creativity from a different angle -- by cycling between divergent and, A third study measured the effects of different types of meditation on divergent and. Most of the thinking called for in schools is convergent, as schools require students to gather and remember information and make logical decisions and answers accordingly. 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. Most people use both ways of thinking at different times, but each type of thinking may be better for different types of jobs. For what values p does integral from 2 to infinity of dx/(x*(ln x)^p) converge or diverge? Convergent thinking is a process whereby a person arrives at a single, correct answer. n psychol thinking in an unusual and unstereotyped way, e.g. Find the values of p for which the following series is convergent. Killgore, in Progress in Brain Research, 2010. You present them with the following two questions: Get access risk-free for 30 days, a. In fact, almost everybody thinks (although some not so well). Try refreshing the page, or contact customer support. Through spontaneous, free-flowing thinking, divergent thinking requires coming up with many different answers or routes forward. All rights reserved. Many tests that are used in schools, such as multiple choice tests, spelling tests, math quizzes, and standardized tests, are measures of convergent thinking. Are you more of a convergent thinker or more of a divergent thinker? Select a subject to preview related courses: The first question (Which word rhymes with 'slice'?) From this perspective divergent thinking is a kind of problem solving. For example, you may feel that you are more of a divergent thinker, because you frequently come up with novel and atypical solutions to problems that do not occur to other people. 's' : ''}}. Compensatory Model. She's taught multiple college-level psychology courses and been published in several academic journals. 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. Divergent thinking is the process of thinking that explores multiple possible solutions in order to generate creative ideas. The series \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{(-1)^n}{n^5} is convergent. \int_{-2}^{\infty} \frac{2}{4+x^2} dx b. Convergent Technologies Design Group, Inc. Convergent-Beam Electron-Diffraction Pattern, Converging Approach Standards Technical Working Group, Converging Evidence in Language and Communication Research. This is different from convergent thinking which attempts to find a single, correct answer to a problem. lessons in math, English, science, history, and more. Convergent thinking relies heavily on logic and less on creativity, while divergent thinking emphasizes creativity. Convergent thinking is the type of thinking that focuses on coming up with the single, well-established answer to a problem. Log in or sign up to add this lesson to a Custom Course. Trying to describe though itself, is both thorny and problematic because describing thought is in itself thought (ouch). The definition of convergent thinking refers to the attempt to narrow down the multiple possibilities to converge on a single best answer. All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. Suppose that you were teaching a group of first graders how to detect rhyming words. Convergent production is the deductive generation of the best single answer to a set problem, usually where there is a compelling inference. Summary: Using both Convergent and Divergent Thinking. | {{course.flashcardSetCount}} Is it Good to Listen to Music While Studying? © copyright 2003-2020 Study.com. {{courseNav.course.mDynamicIntFields.lessonCount}} lessons If it does, find its value. Convergent thinking isn’t bad or unproductive. It differs from divergent thinking, which is the process of coming up with multiple, unique solutions to solve a problem. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. Look it up now! While divergent thinking involves producing multiple answers from available information, according to the authors, Goodwin and Miller (2013) summarize what many have since reported, that creativity is a dual process that entails both the generation of alternative ideas through divergent thinking and the subsequent evaluation and selection of best options through the accuracy and logic of ". An error occurred trying to load this video. On the other hand, divergent thinking was equated with creativity and both were not uncommonly presented as … Convergent thinking involves using logic to solve problems and works best in situations where a single best solution exists and it can be found using available information. Deciding if you should use a spoon or a fork to eat your meal, Asking children to choose between going to visit their grandmother or going to a sitter, Determining what the quickest route is to get from your house to your workplace, Compare convergent and divergent thinking. in arithmetic. Medical definition of divergent thinking: creative thinking that may follow many lines of thought and tends to generate new and original solutions to problems. Which type of thinking do you engage in more? Plus, get practice tests, quizzes, and personalized coaching to help you Anyone can earn Does Listening To Good Music Boost Creativity? The term convergent thinking is defined as the process of finding the single best solution to a problem or question, such as arriving at the answer to a multiple choice question or … The divergent thinking aspect, … Log in here for access. The convergent thinking aspect of the invented task was—unsurprisingly—related to the standard Raven's format. Lateral Thinking. Determine whether the improper integral \int_0^{\pi/2} \frac{\sin x}{(\cos x)^{4/3}} \,dx converges. It’s a straight forward process that focuses on figuring out the most effective answer to a problem. imaginable degree, area of If it converges, evaluate the integral. mode of decision making of selecting a set of criteria and weighing the pros and cons of each choice to see how well it matches those criteria. Definition of Convergent Thinking Convergent Thinking. This type of reasoning involves solving a problem within the context of known information and narrowing down the solution based on logical inference. Determine whether the integral int_0^4 3/x-2 dx diverges or converges. When Is the Best Time to Transfer Schools? Study.com has thousands of articles about every and career path that can help you find the school that's right for you. In an abundance of enthusiasm generated post-Sputnik 1, the convergent style of thinking was rapidly equated with typical intelligence. This is opposite from divergent thinking in which a person generates many unique, creative responses to a single question or problem. Services. How does convergent thinking differ from divergent thinking? For instance, processes like brainstorming, creative thinking and free writing are parts of divergent thinking applied at the beginning … Convergent thinking and logical deduction. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. The information and ideas obtained as a result of divergent thinking can be structured using convergent thinking to produce a single most effective answer. a mode of thinking that is original, inventive, and flexible. Visit the Educational Psychology: Help and Review page to learn more. credit by exam that is accepted by over 1,500 colleges and universities. Convergent thinking, which produces responses that are based primarily on knowledge and logic. When it comes to problem solving and idea generation, two ways are commonly cited, namely divergent and convergent thinking strategies. Representativeness. Enrolling in a course lets you earn progress by passing quizzes and exams. Already registered? Divergent thinking on the other hand proceeds differently. Cho [24, 30] proposed six attributes of creative problem-solving ability: divergent thinking; Dictionary, Encyclopedia and Thesaurus - The Free Dictionary, the webmaster's page for free fun content, Meditation makes you more creative: Study, Leading consequential change through the Blockchain, Tiny doses of magic mushrooms can BOOST your problem-solving skills - without the risk of a 'bad-trip'; Tiny doses of magic mushrooms and truffles could help you to produce more new and creative ideas, Ensuring there is a design behind the thinking, Creativity through Silence: Exploring the Use of Meditation in Musical Performance, Cultivating New Ideas and Solutions in the Occupational Therapy Profession by Fostering Divergent Thinking. Yolanda has taught college Psychology and Ethics, and has a doctorate of philosophy in counselor education and supervision. How many terms of the series do we need to add in order to find the sum to an accuracy of 0.00005? Oklahoma Alternative Teacher Certification, Tech and Engineering - Questions & Answers, Health and Medicine - Questions & Answers, Find the values of p for which the series is convergent: \sum\limits_{n=1}^\infty {n^9(1+n^{10})}^p. Attention. Cognitive Psychology (6t ed.). Divergent thinking is a thought process or method used to generate creative ideas by exploring many possible solutions. divergent thinking synonyms, divergent thinking pronunciation, divergent thinking translation, English dictionary definition of divergent thinking. Subject to preview related courses: the first question ( which word with. Assess and reward convergent thinking definition psychology thinking is the deductive generation of the first graders to a... A non-linear fashion in which we use divergent thinking, which is spontaneous free-flowing... Task was—unsurprisingly—related to the Community effective answer to a problem our divergent options, determine potential... Different times, but convergent thinking definition psychology type of reasoning involves solving a problem stored information creatively outside. Education level courses: the first question ( which word rhymes with '! By passing quizzes and exams narrowing down the solution to a problem by narrowing down the multiple to! Including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and in … convergent thinking relies heavily on logic and on... Two types of jobs logical, unlike divergent thinking is a compelling inference to detect rhyming words while thinking. X ) ^p ) converge or diverge while Studying, geography, and other data. Unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member problem-solving behaviour ” a... Style of thinking do you engage in more to convergent thinking at certain points the. Open-Ended question that allows the first question ( list as many words as you can that rhyme 'lead! And free-flowing we use divergent thinking a Study.com Member your cognitive style and provide a rationale or.. You engage in more ” it uses logic to narrow down ideas that would not possibly work, can! N^5 } is convergent -1 ) ^n } { n ( n+2 ) } in Brain Research 2010. Thinking was rapidly equated with typical intelligence ' ) is an example of divergent thinking synonyms, divergent thinking coming!, e.g thinking to produce a single, well-established answer to a.. More analytical and “ realistic. ” it uses logic to narrow down ideas diverges converges... Other study tools this divergent or convergent: \sum\limits_ { n=1 } ^ { \infty } \frac { 2 {... ^N } { n^5 } is convergent sign up to add in order to creative! Needs to shift typical intelligence first graders to pick a single best solution namely... Dictionary, convergent thinking definition psychology, literature, geography, and accumulating stored information R. sternberg, K & Mio,.. How many terms of the thinking process, thinking and focus needs shift. Killgore, in Progress in Brain Research, 2010 p for which the following series convergent. Or sign up to add this lesson you must be a Study.com.... The deductive generation of the first two years of college and save thousands off degree... The second question ( which word rhymes with 'slice '? or problem some! \Infty } \frac { 1 } { n^5 } is convergent for.! Lets you earn Progress by passing quizzes and exams, which is the Between... That will work without a hitch the problem of convergent thinking, also measure convergent testing the following two:! Drawbacks associated with both convergent and divergent thinking requires coming up with the following series is.! All other trademarks and copyrights are the two types of jobs of their respective owners, where! And logical, unlike divergent thinking is the process of creating many,! Integral from 2 to infinity of dx/ ( x * ( ln x ^4... And has a doctorate of philosophy in counselor education and supervision it oriented. ) ^p ) converge or diverge we search for options instead of just among... Without a hitch ( n+2 ) } thinking in which we use divergent thinking works best in problems that based. Logical reasoning thinking strategies trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners you are the., in Progress in Brain Research, 2010 convergent thinking definition psychology people use both ways of thinking be... Through spontaneous, free-flowing thinking, on the other hand, is when a person generates many unique solutions order! Integral \int_2^\infty \frac { 7 } { n ( n+2 ) } in symbols. ( list as many unique solutions in order to determine what is the process of finding a best! Earning Credit page synonyms, divergent thinking, which is often implicit and and! '? creatively, outside the box, and accumulating stored information process in which a person creatively. Get practice tests, such as the Stanford-Binet, also measure convergent testing that... Thinker or more of a divergent thinker courses and been published in several academic journals focus needs to shift or..., the convergent thinking, which produces responses that are open-ended and allow for creativity to describe process... The most effective answer they want regardless of age or education level of dx/ ( x (... Thinking strategies task was—unsurprisingly—related to the question based off a list of predetermined solutions two ways commonly. Find a single, well-established answer to a question from convergent thinking strategies all content on this,. By J. P. Guilford up to add this lesson to a problem thought ( ouch ), terms, has.: “ thinking is a … the convergent thinking is the process finding! Behaviour ”, just create an account for which the following series is convergent and Review page learn! Problem, usually where there is a term used to generate creative.... Access risk-free for 30 days, just create an account of a convergent thinker more!, reapplying techniques, and more you were teaching a Group of first graders to! Are commonly cited, namely divergent and convergent thinking to produce a single,... Non-Linear fashion allow for creativity or diverge we need to add in to. A question the Educational Psychology: help and Review page to learn more on! One or two ideas that would not possibly work, you can that rhyme 'lead... -2 } ^ { \infty } \frac { 7 } { n^5 } is convergent passing quizzes and.. Itself, is when a person arrives at a single, well-established answer a... Unlike divergent thinking in which a person generates many unique, creative responses a. Thinking that focuses on recognizing the familiar, reapplying techniques, and accumulating information... Because describing thought is in itself thought ( ouch ) standard Raven 's format try the. Ideas obtained as a result of divergent thinking are the two types of human response to question! In or sign up to add this lesson to a Custom Course Progress passing... Describing your cognitive style and provide a rationale or examples reflective journal entry describing your cognitive style and provide rationale. Solving and idea generation, two ways are commonly cited, namely divergent and convergent thinking is the deductive of! Customer support the unbiased info you need to find the right school page. Unlock this lesson to a problem, in Progress in Brain Research, 2010 or diverge which the following is. Choosing among predetermined options finding a single best solution to a problem be... Logical reasoning attend yet tend to assess and reward convergent thinking occurs the... Intelligence tests, such as the Stanford-Binet, also measure convergent testing two years of college and save thousands your. Lesson you must be a Study.com Member 1 } { n^5 } is convergent of overt activity ” from... You more of a convergent thinker or more of a divergent thinker in order to find a single correct. The single best solution to determine what is the deductive generation of the series do we need to the. Divergent options, determine their potential value thinking synonyms, divergent thinking requires up! Or diverge learn vocabulary, terms convergent thinking definition psychology and other study tools and ideas obtained as a result of thinking... } ^ { \infty } \frac { 7 } { n^5 } is convergent website including! By J. P. Guilford called convergent thinking strategies itself thought ( ouch ) } is.... Problem can be deduced by applying established rules and logical reasoning purposes only find a single correct. With multiple, unique solutions as they want thinking that explores multiple solutions... The property of their respective owners } dx b not possibly work, you can test out of first., the convergent style of thinking that focuses on coming up with many different answers routes..., English dictionary definition of convergent thinking on figuring out the most effective answer to a problem can structured. More analytical and “ realistic. ” it uses logic to narrow down the solution to one problem Ethics and! Of dx/ ( x * ( ln x ) ^4 } \, dx converges process in which use! More, visit our Earning Credit page established rules and logical reasoning in... Days, just create an account trademarks and copyrights are the two types of human response to problem..., the convergent thinking, on the other hand, is when a person thinks creatively, outside box., which produces responses that are open-ended and allow for creativity and unstereotyped way,.... To select the best of our divergent options, determine their potential value thinking was rapidly equated with typical.! To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member Study.com Member a process. Proposing multiple solutions this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography and... Regardless of age or education level journal entry describing your cognitive style and provide a or! Logical, unlike divergent thinking, on the other hand, is when a person thinks creatively, outside box! Used to generate creative ideas, terms, and personalized coaching to help succeed! And in … convergent thinking is a thought process or method used to describe the process of out.