Convergent thinking

Convergent thinking a term coined by J. P Guilford in the 1950s in the context of his research on creativity.

While divergent thinking allows the individuals to find numerous and original ideas, convergent thinking encompasses thought processes which aim at finding the one right, best or conventional answer to a problem.

The objective of convergent thinking is to generate a conventional, consensually agreed-upon solution to a problem.

The problem presents as an initial triggering mechanism or process input – be it a test prompt, and assignment question or an event – that generates the production of a correct or an incorrect cognitions.

The idea of convergent thinking is based on the assumption that there is only one correct answer to a problem and that it must be found through reference to declarative knowledge.

Convergent processes move from data, clues, or parts of the problem to a specific idea. They are distinct from divergent processes in that usually convergent processes lead to one idea, rather than a large number, and in that they focus on correct or conventional rather than original ideas.
Convergent thinking