The main difference between convergent and divergent thinking is that convergent thinking produces a single effective solution while divergent thinking produces multiple creative solutions.
In brief, these are two opposite ways of thinking. The two terms convergent thinking and divergent thinking were coined by the psychologist Joy Paul Guilford in 1956. Convergent thinking involves finding the most effective answer to a problem, while divergent involves generating creative ideas to explore many possible solutions.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Convergent Thinking
– Definition, Features, Examples
2. What is Divergent Thinking
– Definition, Features, Examples
3. Relationship Between Convergent and Divergent Thinking
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Convergent and Divergent Thinking
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Convergent Thinking, Divergent Thinking
What is Convergent Thinking
Convergent thinking is a type of thinking that involves finding the most effective answer to a problem. In other words, this type of thinking involves a single and well-established answer – usually, the most correct answer. Therefore, there is no room for ambiguity. Convergent thinking involves accuracy, speed, and logic. It is most effective in situations where a problem already has an answer, which needs to be recalled or determined through decision-making strategies.
When you have to answer multiple-choice tests, quizzes, or standardized tests, you use convergent thinking. Questions in these tests generally have one correct answer. You have to find out the answer through knowledge, logic, or deduction. The answer you produce is either 100% right or 100% wrong. In brief, there are no other possibilities.
What is Divergent Thinking
Divergent thinking is a type of thinking that involves generating creative ideas to explore many possible solutions. It involves opening your mind in various directions and trying different solutions for a problem. Moreover, divergent thinking is spontaneous, free-flowing, and non-linear and produces many unique and original ideas. It involves many possible solutions or ideas in a short amount of time.
Unlike convergent thinking, you cannot use divergent thinking for multiple-choice tests or quizzes that involve questions having a single answer. This is because there is no right or wrong answer in divergent thinking.
Here are some examples of divergent thinking:
- A brainstorming session in an office to create an advertisement
- Planning a trip from New York to Oregon (there are multiple routes as well as modes of transportation you can use)
- Using a stack of blocks to find out how many shapes you can come up with
- Writing a caption for your social media post
Relationship Between Convergent and Divergent Thinking
- Most of us use both these thinking methods to find solutions to our problems.
- We can use divergent thinking to come up with different solutions to a problem and then use convergent thinking to narrow down the best possible solution.
Difference Between Convergent and Divergent Thinking
Definition
Convergent thinking is a type of thinking that involves finding the most effective answer to a problem, while divergent thinking is a type of thinking that involves generating creative ideas to explore many possible solutions.
Solution
In convergent thinking, there is only one right solution, but in divergent thinking, there can be multiple solutions.
Reasoning
While convergent thinking uses deductive reasoning, divergent thinking uses inductive reasoning.
Features
Convergent thinking is accurate, speedy, and logical, while divergent thinking is spontaneous, free-flowing, and non-linear.
Time Taken
Convergent thinking takes less time than divergent thinking.
Conclusion
The main difference between convergent and divergent thinking is that convergent thinking produces a single effective solution while divergent thinking produces multiple creative solutions. In addition, convergent thinking is accurate, speedy, and logical, while divergent thinking is spontaneous, free-flowing, and non-linear. Generally, these two thinking methods can be used in conjunction to come up with an effective solution to a problem.
Reference:
1. “Convergent Thinking.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 3 Oct. 2021.
2. “Convergent Thinking: Definition, Principles and Examples.” Indeed Career Guide.
3. “Divergent Thinking.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 18 May 2021.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Map of Convergent Thinking” By Msingh209 – Microsoft Office (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons
2. “Final divergent thinking” By Aishwarya.gudadhe – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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