Different ways of thinking validate our daily lives. While some ways of thinking are rather specific, other ways of thinking look into wider perspectives. Convergent and divergent thinking are two well-known types of thinking. Both were invented by J.P. Guilford. While they may seem similar, convergent and divergent thinking have visible differences.
Convergent Thinking vs Divergent Thinking
The main difference between convergent thinking and divergent thinking is that convergent thinking finds a specific solution to a problem. On the other hand, divergent thinking evaluates different perspectives to find solutions to a problem. Convergent thinking generally takes less time than divergent thinking.
Convergent thinking refers to the procedure of finding the predetermined solution to a problem. A prominent feature of convergent thinking is that there is no room for uncertainty. Convergent thinking plays a prominent role in every child’s education. Tests like multiple choice questions and arithmetic problems employ convergent thinking. For instance, convergent thinking implies that a person can be either sick or healthy but not both.
Divergent thinking refers to the procedure of exploring several solutions to a problem via exploring a wide variety of perspectives. Prominent examples of divergent thinking are imaginative artwork and brainstorming ideas. There are four types of divergent thinking. Divergent thinking implies thinking out of the box. There is no black and white situation in divergent thinking. Divergent thinking aims to explore several directions to explore the solution to a problem.
Comparison Table Between Convergent Thinking and Divergent Thinking
| Parameters of Comparison | Convergent Thinking | Divergent Thinking |
| Implication | Convergent thinking implies that there is only one right solution. | Divergent thinking implies that there can be multiple questions. |
| Reasoning used | Convergent thinking uses deductive reasoning. | Divergent thinking uses inductive reasoning. |
| Feature | Convergent thinking is logical, accurate, and speedy. | Divergent thinking is spontaneous and non-linear. |
| Time | Convergent thinking takes less time. | Divergent thinking takes more time. |
| Main Emphasis | The main emphasis is on logic. | The main emphasis is on creative flow of ideas. |
What is Convergent Thinking?
Convergent thinking means giving the correct answer to a standard question. Convergent thinking generally requires zero creativity and relies on logic. The term convergent thinking was coined by Joy Paul Guilford. Convergent thinking plays a vital role in every child’s education. Most educational opportunities depend on standardized testing today. However, some researchers question the validity of convergent thinking on several grounds.
Convergent thinking has practical application in situations wherein there is only one correct answer. The correct answer needs to be determined or recalled through decision-making strategies. Methods used in the convergent thinking process involves recalling previously tried out techniques and applying them once again along with readily stored information.
There are several everyday examples of convergent thinking. In simple words, convergent thinking states that a medical student can either be a doctor or nothing. Examples of convergent thinking in everyday schooling are what is the chemical name of aluminium or what is the formula for photosynthesis. Another example is the intelligence tests. These tests have predetermined questions.
Convergent thinking has attracted some criticism. One of the major reasons for criticizing this approach is that there is not always one effective solution to a problem. Especially when dealing with complex problems, it may be confusing for an individual to effectively rank solutions. Thus, there are mixed opinions on the applicability of convergent thinking.
What is Divergent Thinking?
Divergent thinking refers to the process of generating creative ideas by exploring a wide range of perspectives. Several ideas come into being via an emergent cognitive fashion. Several different solutions to a problem are explored within a short period of time. In addition, unexpected connections are drawn. Convergent thinking generally requires creativity and originality.
The term divergent thinking was coined by J.P. Guilford in 1956. Some common activities requiring divergent thinking are brainstorming, creating artwork, keeping a journal, bubble mapping, taking out time for thinking and meditation, creating a list of questions, and free writing. Divergent thinking implies thinking out of the box. Creativity tests often use divergent thinking. Consequently, they foster creativity and originality.
Four types of divergent thinking are fluency, flexibility, originality, and elaboration. While fluency refers to the ability to develop a large number of ideas, flexibility refers to the ability to produce ideas in numerous categories. Originality refers to employing unique ideas and viewpoints. Lastly, elaboration is the ability to adapt abstract ideas into realistic situations.
In simple words, divergent thinking suggests that a person can be both sick and healthy at the same time. For instance, an individual can be healthy physically but can be mentally under stress. Divergent thinking keeps the option open. There isn’t a black and white situation in divergent thinking. Thus, divergent thinking has several appealing features.
Main Differences Between Convergent Thinking and Divergent Thinking
- While convergent thinking revolves around speed and efficiency, divergent thinking relies on instinctual type of thought.
- Convergent thinking focuses on the best solution to a problem. On the other hand, divergent thinking focuses on looking into multiple dimensions for a solution.
- Convergent thinking finds the certainty part whereas divergent thinking explores several perspectives.
- The features of convergent thinking are speed, accuracy, and logic. In contrast, features of divergent thinking are spontaneous and free-flowing.
- Convergent thinking is applicable in multiple choice questions and standardized tests. On the other hand, divergent thinking is applicable in creativity tests.
Conclusion
Therefore, convergent thinking and divergent thinking vary on several grounds, including features and applicability. Convergent thinking is helpful in finding the most appropriate solution to a problem. On the other hand, divergent thinking is open to different options and there is not one accurate answer. Convergent thinking and divergent thinking work in conjunction to produce effective results. Convergent thinking revolves around certainty whereas divergent thinking has unambiguous answers.
Intelligence tests are a well-known example of convergent thinking precisely because they require a specific solution to a problem. In contrast, divergent thinking is applicable in creativity tests because they value originality and imagination. To conclude, convergent thinking and divergent thinking have several points of difference.
References
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convergent_thinking
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divergent_thinking