This is different from convergent thinking which attempts to find a single, correct answer to a problem. In fact, it is also a type of thinking very common in children, where joy, imagination, and a fresh perspective make their reasoning more free. Designers practice divergent thinking in a few ways. Edward De Bono (1967) introduced the term divergent thinking (lateral thinking) and developed the theory of the six thinking hats (white, red, black, yellow, blue and green). This thought process is not as straight forward as convergent thinking, but used in conjunction with it. A plant pot, hand warmer, cup and fly swatter are a few suggestions to get you rolling. We use divergent thinking in the initial stages of ideation on a project or task—when we have a challenge to solve and we need to brainstorm or iterate on creative solutions. Divergent thinking spurs our thoughts beyond what exists, opening the door of thought to consider new possibilities. Convergent thinking is mostly rational. Solution for An example of divergent thinking is Reagan brainstorming as many uses of a toothpick as possible in a two-minute period Reagan brainstorming… Brzozowski uses this example to explain the process of divergent thinking – looking for many possible solutions as opposed to arriving consensually at one agreed solution. Divergent Thinking. It is a spontaneous, fluid, non-linear mental approach based on curiosity and nonconformity. Divergent thinking on the other hand proceeds differently. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. A cognitive process (a mode of critical thinking) in which a person generates many unique, creative responses to a single question or problem. Convergent thinking is used in accordance with divergent thinking. It’s best done with an open mind, which is why kids are better at it. Creativity and the ways in which it can be cultivated become a central subject of psychology. Divergent thinking is the process of thinking that explores multiple possible solutions in order to generate creative ideas. Divergent Thinking Examples. Such thinking is often described as linear. Start studying Chapter 7 Cognition, Thinking, & Divergent Thinking. When new, creative, innovative, and vague ideas are presented as a result of divergent thinking; systematic, procedural, precise and time-effective convergent thinking is required to work on the results of divergent thinkers, scrutinize and reach an unambiguous answer. Divergent thinking, or lateral thinking, is about generating multiple creative solutions to the same problem. Following divergent thinking, the ideas and information will be organized using convergent thinking; i.e., putting the var ious ideas back together in some organized, structured way. 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