Divergent thinking

The problem solving process involves "defining the problem, generating solutions, evaluating options, and implementing a solution."

Divergent thinking is a "thought process used to generate multiple, diverse ideas in response to a problem or question. It's a key component of creativity, often described as "thinking outside the box". It contrasts with convergent thinking, which focuses on finding a single, correct solution."

Journal articles and scholarship

• Convergent Versus Divergent Thinking. Encyclopedia of Creativity, Invention, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, pp 245–250
• Divergent Thinking as an Indicator of Creative Potential. Creativity Research Journal. Volume 24, 2012 - Issue 1. https://doi.org/10.1080/10400419.2012.652929
• Divergent Thinking. The Palgrave Encyclopedia of the Possible. First Online: 25 August 2020
• Re-examining prominent measures of divergent and convergent creativity. Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences. Volume 27, June 2019, Pages 90-93
• Divergent thinking is linked with convergent thinking; implications for models of creativity. Thinking & Reasoning. Published online: 29 Mar 2025. https://doi.org/10.1080/13546783.2025.2485059
• The contribution of divergent and convergent thinking to visual creativity. Thinking Skills and Creativity. Volume 49, September 2023, 101372
• Bilingualism and creativity: benefits in convergent thinking come with losses in divergent thinking. Frontiers in Psychology. 09 November 2011. Sec. Cognition. volume 2 - 2011. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2011.00273
• Divergent Thinking, Science Direct

See also

Statue of the creative Renaissance man Leonardo da Vinci in Tuscany, Italy.

• Creativity
• Creative problem solving
• Problem solving
• Innovation
• Openness
• Decision making
• Questioning skills

Other types of thinking:

• Rational thinking
• Logical reasoning
• Analytical thinking
• Critical thinking
• Synthetic thinking
• Structural thinking
• Probabilistic thinking
• Systems thinking
• Deductive reasoning
• Inductive reasoning
• Abductive reasoning
• Integrative thinking
• Interdisciplinary thinking

External links

• Divergent thinking
• What Is Divergent Thinking? Definition and Examples, Indeed
• Two Thinking Caps: Divergent and Convergent Thought, University of Texas, Austin
• Convergent vs. divergent thinking: Finding the right balance for creative problem solving, Asana
• Strategies of Divergent Thinking, University of Washington
• MBA Curriculum Insight: Four Principles for Becoming a More Divergent Thinker, Walden University
• 3 Modes Of Thinking: Lateral, Divergent & Convergent Thought
• How do you best engage in divergent thinking?, AI
• How do you engage in divergent thinking for problem solving?, AI

Videos:

• Divergent thinking - video playlist, Video playlist