Terminology

Two psychologists who independently discovered and described the creative thinking process in very similar ways:



JP Guilford (1897–1987) was a prominent American psychologist, best known for his work on human intelligence and the introduction of the concept of divergent thinking. Guilford distinguished divergent thinking, responsible for creative processes, from convergent thinking, which aims at the logical solution of problems.


Guilford differentiated these ways of thinking to emphasize the diversity of cognitive abilities and to highlight their importance for various intellectual and creative processes.


Divergent thinking (lateral thinking - De Bono)

Guilford describes divergent thinking as a creative thought process in which a multitude of different solutions to a problem are developed. It is characterized by its promotion of openness, flexibility, and originality. Divergent thinking aims to generate new and innovative ideas rather than focusing on a single solution.


Convergent Thinking (Linear Thinking - De Bono)

In contrast to divergent thinking, Guilford describes convergent thinking as a logical, analytical thought process that focuses on finding the best possible or only correct solution to a given problem. This process is linear and structured, utilizing existing knowledge and rules to arrive at a unique solution.


Edward de Bono (1933–2021) was a Maltese psychologist, physician, and author who became internationally known as a pioneer in the field of creative thinking processes. He coined the term "lateral thinking," which is a method for breaking through conventional thought patterns and developing new, innovative solutions.


De Bono emphasized that while linear thinking is effective in many everyday situations, lateral thinking is necessary to develop innovative and creative solutions that go beyond what can be achieved through purely logical thinking.


Linear thinking (convergent thinking - JP Guilford)

In contrast to lateral thinking, De Bono defines linear thinking as a step-by-step, logical thought process that follows a clear sequence of thoughts. Linear thinking is sequential, methodical, and based on cause-and-effect relationships. It aims to arrive at a solution through an ordered, predictable sequence of steps.


Lateral thinking (divergent thinking - JPGuilford)

De Bono describes lateral thinking as a creative way of thinking that aims to break through established thought patterns and solve problems through unconventional, often unexpected approaches. This thinking promotes "thinking outside the box" and makes it possible to find new and innovative solutions by changing perspectives and questioning existing assumptions.


Distinguishing Features

In general, divergent and linear thinkers differ in various aspects of perception, thinking, experience, and the recognition and solving of problems. Here is a comparison of the two ways of thinking.

Divergent Thinking

  • Divergent thinkers often have a broader perception and are open to a wide range of ideas, opinions and perspectives.


  • Divergent thinkers are creative and generate many different ideas and approaches to solving a problem.


  • Divergent thinkers often experience their thought process as a creative flow of ideas that is spontaneous and intuitive.


  • Divergent thinkers often recognize problems by considering connections, patterns and potential for change or innovation.


Divergent thinkers solve problems by generating a wide range of ideas and solutions, then developing and testing them.

Linear Thinking

  • Convergent thinkers tend to focus their perception on concrete facts and known solutions.


  • Convergent thinkers tend to be analytical and focus on finding the best or most efficient solution.


  • Convergent thinkers often experience their thought process as a more structured and analytical process based on logic and rationality.


  • Convergent thinkers often recognize problems by identifying deviations from expected results or standards.


Convergent thinkers solve problems by systematically analyzing and evaluating different options and selecting the best one.