Divergent thinking is linked with convergent thinking; implications for models of creativity.
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| Title: | Divergent thinking is linked with convergent thinking; implications for models of creativity. |
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| Authors: | Rawlings, Bruce, S.1,2 (AUTHOR) bruce.rawlings@durham.ac.uk, Chetwynd-Talbot, Daisy1 (AUTHOR), Husband, Erin1 (AUTHOR), Nuttall, Aisling1 (AUTHOR), Quinn, Elissa1 (AUTHOR), Taggart, Rosie1 (AUTHOR), Roome, Hannah E.3 (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Thinking & Reasoning. Nov2025, Vol. 31 Issue 4, p586-608. 23p. |
| Subjects: | Divergent thinking, Originality, Cognitive testing, Creative ability, Critical thinking, Cognitive ability |
| Abstract: | Creativity is a critical 21st‑century skill, encompassing the ability to generate unique, diverse ideas (divergent thinking) and evaluate them to select optimal ones (convergent thinking). Despite attempts to integrate convergent thinking into creativity frameworks, most research focuses on divergent thinking, and studies assessing their association remain inconclusive. We examined the relationship between performance on two widely used measures of divergent and convergent thinking—the Alternate Uses task and the Remote Associations test—in UK adults. Alternate Uses scores of fluency, originality, elaboration, and a composite score were all positively associated with Remote Associations test scores. We also replicated findings that Alternate Uses scores of fluency, originality, and elaboration were intercorrelated. This study reports a direct positive association between these measures, suggesting individuals who generate numerous unique, detailed ideas are also adept at identifying correct solutions. We discuss the implications and the need to integrate convergent thinking into creativity models. HIGHLIGHTS: We examined the relationship between convergent thinking and divergent thinking in UK adults, using the Remotes Associations Test and the Alternate Uses task, respectively. Fluency, originality, and elaboration, and a composite score of each were positively associated with remote associations test scores. These findings suggest that those who are able to generate multiple novel, rich and unique ideas are those who can hone in on correct ones from a range of alternatives. Our findings imply that convergent thinking should continue to be integrated into theoretical frameworks of creativity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Engineering Source |
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| Abstract: | Creativity is a critical 21st‑century skill, encompassing the ability to generate unique, diverse ideas (divergent thinking) and evaluate them to select optimal ones (convergent thinking). Despite attempts to integrate convergent thinking into creativity frameworks, most research focuses on divergent thinking, and studies assessing their association remain inconclusive. We examined the relationship between performance on two widely used measures of divergent and convergent thinking—the Alternate Uses task and the Remote Associations test—in UK adults. Alternate Uses scores of fluency, originality, elaboration, and a composite score were all positively associated with Remote Associations test scores. We also replicated findings that Alternate Uses scores of fluency, originality, and elaboration were intercorrelated. This study reports a direct positive association between these measures, suggesting individuals who generate numerous unique, detailed ideas are also adept at identifying correct solutions. We discuss the implications and the need to integrate convergent thinking into creativity models. HIGHLIGHTS: We examined the relationship between convergent thinking and divergent thinking in UK adults, using the Remotes Associations Test and the Alternate Uses task, respectively. Fluency, originality, and elaboration, and a composite score of each were positively associated with remote associations test scores. These findings suggest that those who are able to generate multiple novel, rich and unique ideas are those who can hone in on correct ones from a range of alternatives. Our findings imply that convergent thinking should continue to be integrated into theoretical frameworks of creativity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 13546783 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/13546783.2025.2485059 |
