THINKING
THINKING All of the mental activities associated with concept formation,problem-solving,intellectual
functioning, creativity,complex learning,memory,symbolic processing,imagery, etc. a covert or implicit
process that is not directly observable.
CONVERGENT THINKING: Thinking which is characterized by a bringing together or synthesizing of
Information and knowledge focused on a solution to a problem. Often associated with problems that have
a single correct solution.
DIVERGENT THINKING: Thinking that is characterized by a process of “moving away” in various
directions, a diverging of ideas to encompass a variety of relevant aspects. Such thinking is frequently
associated with creativity, since it often yields novel ideas and solutions.
LATERAL THINKING
The purpose of lateral thinking is to provide a more deliberate means for pattern-switching than relying on
Mistake or accident; the ability to look at things in different ways. “I am often asked why it was necessary
to invent the term ‘lateral thinking’ when the word ‘creativity’ seemed quite adequate. The answer is that
the word ‘creativity’ is far from adequate and does not describe what I mean by lateral thinking. That may
be why the term ‘lateral thinking’ is now included in the Oxford English Dictionary.” (seeking to solve
problems by unorthodox or apparently illogical methods).
Lateral thinking is both an attitude of mind and also a number of defined methods. The attitude of mind
Involves the willingness to try to look at things in different ways. It involves an appreciation that any way of looking at things is only one amongst many possible ways. It involves an understanding of how the mind\uses patterns and the need to escape from an established pattern in order to switch into an alternative
one. lateral thinking is to do with change, especially when change involves escaping from a pattern that
has been satisfactory in the past…. change through exploration, insight and switching.
VERTICAL THINKING: Thinking that is logical and straightforward. Used in the refinement and
development of ideas.
LATERAL THINKING: Thinking “around” a problem. Used to generate new ideas.
CONVERGENT THINKING: The kind of thinking you engage in when you are required to come up with a single correct answer to a question or a problem.
DIVERGENT THINKING: the kind of thinking required when a person needs to generate many different
responses to the same question or problem.