divergent thinking

psychology

Also known as: creative thinking

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June 25, 2026

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Divergent thinking, also known as creative thinking, is a cognitive process focused on generating a wide range of possible solutions to a problem. It is characterized by flexibility, originality, and inventiveness, making it essential for problems requiring unique answers. This type of thinking contrasts with convergent thinking, which narrows down possibilities to find a single best solution.12

The process of creative thinking often involves phases such as preparation, incubation, illumination, and verification, though these can vary in order and execution. Fostering creativity involves encouraging individual expression and tolerating unconventional ideas.1

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thought
Creative thinking
As discussed above, divergent (or creative) thinking is an activity that leads to new information, or previously undiscovered solutions. Some problems demand flexibility, originality, fluency, and inventiveness, especially those for which the individual must supply a unique solution. (See creativity.)
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As discussed above, divergent (or creative) thinking is an activity that leads to new information, or previously undiscovered solutions. Some problems demand flexibility, originality, fluency, and inventiveness, especially those for which the individual must supply a unique solution. (See creativity.)
Read More

creativity
Individual qualities of creative persons
…measured by intelligence tests) and divergent thinking (exemplified by a richness of ideas and originality of thought). Both seem necessary to creative performance, although the degree of each varies according to the task or occupation (i.e., a mathematician may exhibit more convergent than divergent thinking, while an artist would exhibit…
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…measured by intelligence tests) and divergent thinking (exemplified by a richness of ideas and originality of thought). Both seem necessary to creative performance, although the degree of each varies according to the task or occupation (i.e., a mathematician may exhibit more convergent than divergent thinking, while an artist would exhibit…
Read More