Describe the difference between divergent and convergent thinking, and explain which one is involved in creativity.

Question

Advanced Placement (AP)

Kolton Wood

2 March, 18:56

Describe the difference between divergent and convergent thinking, and explain which one is involved in creativity.

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Thunder Thighs · Answer 1

Convergent thinking is the application of knowledge you already have to a clearly defined question. There is not much creativity involved, but more pulling information you already have stored in your mind and reciting it. Questions requiring convergent thinking include "what is 3 times 3?" and "Is a cat a mammal?"

Divergent thinking is the synthesis of new ideas, and involves solving a problem without already having the information. This type of thinking involves creativity. Problems include figuring out how to make your roommates couch fit through a door, or designing a rollercoaster in Rollercoaster Tycoon.

It's worth noting that creativity usually involves a bit of both thinking processes, since you usually have to draw from preexisting knowledge in order to solve an unfamiliar problem.