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Reconsidering Divergent and Convergent Thinking in Creativity – a Neurophysiological Index for the Convergence-Divergence Continuum.

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Title: Reconsidering Divergent and Convergent Thinking in Creativity – a Neurophysiological Index for the Convergence-Divergence Continuum.
Authors: Eymann, Vera (AUTHOR), Beck, Ann-Kathrin (AUTHOR), Lachmann, Thomas (AUTHOR), Jaarsveld, Saskia (AUTHOR), Czernochowski, Daniela (AUTHOR)
Source: Creativity Research Journal. Jan-Mar2026, Vol. 38 Issue 1, p129-136. 8p.
Subjects: Divergent thinking, Neurophysiology, Alpha rhythm, Electroencephalography, Cognitive psychology, Creative ability, Problem solving
Abstract: Creative problem-solving has been described as an iterative process of divergent and convergent modes of thinking. With this opinion paper, we illustrate how some tasks, commonly used for the neuroscientific investigation of creativity might provide a condensed representation of divergent and convergent thinking, respectively. We have identified the following reasons for this: The specific presentation of stimuli and response alternatives within these tasks ("immediate problem space accessibility"), the restricted time on task for participants in well-established creativity tasks, as well as the challenges to identify specific temporal dynamics of divergent-convergent cycles using standard EEG procedures. Based on two recent studies, we propose that upper alpha band (10–12 hz) modulations in particular may serve a) as a neuro-physiological index to disentangle divergent-convergent cycles within these creativity tasks and b) as a data-driven marker for the task demands related to immediate problem space accessibility. Finally, we argue for a view on divergent and convergent thinking that is less of a dichotomy and more of a continuum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of Creativity Research Journal is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Database: Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection
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  Data: Reconsidering Divergent and Convergent Thinking in Creativity – a Neurophysiological Index for the Convergence-Divergence Continuum.
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  Data: Creative problem-solving has been described as an iterative process of divergent and convergent modes of thinking. With this opinion paper, we illustrate how some tasks, commonly used for the neuroscientific investigation of creativity might provide a condensed representation of divergent and convergent thinking, respectively. We have identified the following reasons for this: The specific presentation of stimuli and response alternatives within these tasks ("immediate problem space accessibility"), the restricted time on task for participants in well-established creativity tasks, as well as the challenges to identify specific temporal dynamics of divergent-convergent cycles using standard EEG procedures. Based on two recent studies, we propose that upper alpha band (10–12 hz) modulations in particular may serve a) as a neuro-physiological index to disentangle divergent-convergent cycles within these creativity tasks and b) as a data-driven marker for the task demands related to immediate problem space accessibility. Finally, we argue for a view on divergent and convergent thinking that is less of a dichotomy and more of a continuum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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  Data: <i>Copyright of Creativity Research Journal is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract.</i> (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
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        Value: 10.1080/10400419.2024.2419751
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        Text: English
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        Type: general
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      – SubjectFull: Alpha rhythm
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              Text: Jan-Mar2026
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              Y: 2026
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