Thinking is a cognitive activity of a person, as a result of which a thought or idea arises. It is believed that this activity is the main difference between a person and an animal. The ways of thinking are quite diverse: logical, geometric, insight, clarity of knowledge, brainstorming, etc. Its main feature is the ability to receive certain knowledge about the world that cannot be obtained through ordinary perception. Thinking is inextricably linked to brain activity. This activity itself is inherent in every person from birth, but we can say that she "sleeps." Its awakening occurs in the course of human assimilation of cultural and linguistic norms, forms of practical life, in other words, in the process of socialization.
So, thinking arises as a result of human brain activity. Specialists distinguish two of its main forms: convergent and divergent thinking. Also, as forms of human mental activity are indicated: judgment, inference and concept.
Convergent thinking (analytical) is based on the strategy of using previously learned algorithms for solving a particular problem. In other words, a person receives in the process of assimilation of social norms certain instructions on what to do when a particular life situation occurs, and he follows this instruction throughout his life. At the same time, a person does not talk about why one should act this way, and not otherwise, the process of his thinking is not connected with creativity.
The opposite of analytic is divergent thinking (non-standard), based on the search for solutions to certain problems using a creative approach. This form of thinking involves finding many solutions to the same problem or problem, followed by choosing the optimal one from them. For the first time, the concept of “divergent thinking” was introduced into psychology by the scientist D. Guildford, who described divergence as “thinking that goes in different directions.” Guilford also came to the conclusion that this form of human brain activity allows the variation of the main ways to solve a problem, leading ultimately to unexpected results and conclusions.
Divergent thinking is based on imagination. Identification of creative thinking abilities usually occurs in early childhood. For such purposes, there are special psychological tests, according to the results of which the specialist can identify whether the child thinks creatively or finds a solution on the basis of rules and norms that have already been learned. As a test, the psychologist can offer the subject in a limited amount of time to find as many ways of using materials as cardboard, wood, paper, etc.
The main methods of divergent thinking are: drawing up a diagram of connections and the brainstorming method. The first consists in depicting the thought process in the form of a certain scheme, on which individual words, tasks and ideas are represented, interconnected by branches or arrows that move away from the central concept. The basis of this technique is the multiplicity of associations, proving the inexhaustibility of the human brain. The brainstorming method consists in the operative solution of a specific problem on the basis of stimulating the creative activity of all participants involved in the process of discussing and finding a solution. At the same time, each participant must express as many options as possible for solving the task. Next, from the total number of solutions, the most acceptable in a particular situation are selected.
Divergent thinking should be developed from early childhood. Various coloring books, puzzles and riddles help this child. Of course, not every person is born a creative person to the full extent of this word, however, to achieve a creative approach to business, the use of creativity in work is within the power of any person. Children with a creative mind are usually more successful in learning, it is easier for them to learn new material, write essays. It is known that children fantasize a lot, but over time, fantasies are forgotten, giving way to harsh reality. Having a creative approach to everything at an older age, care should be taken not to cross that unsteady line between fantasy and madness. Creative, of course, is welcome, but everything needs its own measure.