CONVERGENT THINKING: CHARACTERISTICS, ADVANTAGES AND EXAMPLES - PSYCHOLOGY - 2025

The convergent thinking is a term created by Joy Paul Guilford as opposed to divergent thinking. It refers to the ability to correctly answer questions that do not require great creative ability, such as standardized tests, exams or similar tests.

Unlike divergent thinking, convergent thinking is the ability to find unique, rational, and established answers to a problem. It does not focus on possibilities or creativity, but on arriving at the most appropriate solution quickly, logically and precisely, using all the information possible.

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Convergent thinking is especially useful in situations where only one correct answer can be found, which can be reached through a decision-making process or simply by applying logic. Due to their characteristics, their answers are final and do not have any type of ambiguity.

On the other hand, convergent thinking is also closely related to existing knowledge, since the way to apply it is related to the use of data in a standardized way. Thus, in this process critical thinking tools such as probabilities, logic and statistical information are used.

Characteristics of convergent thinking

It is based on logic

Convergent thinking, unlike other processes with which it is usually related, is based on finding the best possible answer or solution in a given situation. To do this, he tries to follow a rational process by which he examines the different alternatives that exist and chooses the most useful at all times.

Thus, while divergent and lateral thinking largely use intuition and creativity, convergent is entirely based on logic, statistics, reflection, and critical thinking. The process is often conscious and deliberate, with the person seeking a solution in the most objective way possible.

When using convergent thinking, different rational criteria are applied to evaluate, filter, select, and refine the options that are available. Ideally, the solution that is objectively better is chosen, although in many cases this is not possible.

Try to reach unequivocal conclusions

Because of the way it works, when a person uses convergent thinking, their conclusions have been reached following a deliberate, formal, and rational process. Therefore, if carried out correctly, the result of the process will be undeniable, contrary to what happens with other forms of thought.

However, it is not always possible to reach infallible conclusions using convergent thinking. If, for example, the starting information is false or incomplete, or the situation is flexible and therefore there is no single appropriate answer, the result of the process may not be the most appropriate.

On the other hand, when applied to complex situations with more than one answer, convergent thinking tries to find the most suitable solution, even if it is not the only one possible.

Therefore, this thought process is especially useful for solving logical, closed and concrete problems, such as a standardized test.

It serves to make decisions

Divergent thinking can be used to explore new alternatives, propose creative solutions to a problem, and generally observe different areas of reality.

On the contrary, the convergent examines all the possibilities that exist in a concrete situation, and tries to make a decision about which is the best possible.

Thus, convergent thinking is one of the best tools that exist when choosing a course of action, choosing the correct answer to a question or problem, and in general finding a solution to a certain situation. The more data the person has about what they want to solve, the more useful this tool will be.

It is very present in education

Convergent thinking is one of the most highly encouraged skills in today's educational system. Due to the way information is presented to children and young people, and the way it is examined, students have to learn to make concrete decisions using critical thinking and logic.

For example, in a multiple choice test, a student will have to examine all the information he has on a topic to choose the only correct answer from among all the options presented to him. In a development test, this tool will also be very useful, for example when selecting what is important to talk about.

In fact, many voices critical of the current educational system point out the importance of also focusing on divergent or lateral thinking. Otherwise, at the end of their studies, young people will only be prepared to solve problems and do mechanical tasks, but not to innovate or use their creativity.

There are innate differences regarding this ability

Contrary to divergent thinking, no personality or cognitive factors have been found to predict a person's ability to use convergent reasoning. However, different studies show that not all individuals can use it with the same efficacy innately.

Thus, while some people are able to find solutions and examine all the alternatives of a situation with ease, others have to train this ability to achieve good results using it. These differences, however, do not appear to be related to intelligence, although they do predict greater academic success.

Advantage

Help to make decisions

Most aspects of our lives are very complex, with a multitude of variables that influence their development and a large number of possible options when it comes to acting. For this reason, it is essential to have some kind of tool that helps us choose what we want to do at all times.

Developing good convergent thinking skills can help us precisely in this. People who use this skill are able to act with more confidence and decision, since they have examined what they are going to do and have realized that it is the best alternative.

Encourages logic and critical thinking

Although divergent thinking itself is only a tool used to make decisions, the very process by which it is carried out can serve to develop other equally important cognitive skills. Among all those it encourages, the most important are logic and critical thinking.

Both skills are essential both in our daily lives and in more specialized aspects, including work. This is because, without them, we are not able to distinguish what is true from what is not, so we will tend to act in not very effective ways and to believe lies that can be harmful.

Disadvantages

May limit creativity

Convergent thinking focuses on the information that is already available, on the raw data, and on what we already know. This can be very useful in certain situations; But in those that require the use of intuition and creativity, this reasoning process can be even detrimental.

A person who is very used to using only logic and critical thinking can run into many problems in areas where they have to reason less rigidly. This can be an impediment in areas such as entrepreneurship, personal relationships or work.

Mood worsens

For decades, it has been known that our state of mind has a great influence on the way we think. However, it was recently discovered that our cognitive processes can also significantly influence our emotions, both in the short and long term.

For reasons that are still unknown, it seems that when we use convergent thinking our mood worsens. Thus, by overusing logic and critical thinking, we tend to feel more sad, nervous, or irritated. In very extreme cases, this ability can cause anxiety symptoms to appear.

Examples of convergent thinking

Convergent thinking can be used in a large number of different situations. Next we will see several of the most common examples in which this cognitive process is applied.

- In a company meeting, managers have to listen to all the ideas that exist on how to solve a problem, analyze them and choose the option that they think will work best.

- In a multiple choice test at the university, a student has to reflect on all the possible options that are presented to him, reflect on what he has studied on the subject, and choose the answer he considers correct.

- A person who has been offered two different jobs will have to examine the pros and cons of each one, think about the impact that both alternatives are going to have on his life, and choose the option that suits him best at that moment.

- Someone planning a trip will have to research the different accommodation and transportation options, and choose the best ones based on factors such as your budget, or the comfort of each.

References

1. "Convergent Thinking" in: Creative Education Foundation. Retrieved on: April 26, 2019 from Creative Education Foundation: creativeeducationfoundation.org.
2. "Convergent Thinking vs. Divergent Thinking: Why Planning Isn't Always the Right Thing to Do ”in: Wrike. Retrieved on: April 26, 2019 from Wrike: wrike.com.
3. “Idea Generation: Divergent vs. Convergent Thinking ”in: Cleverism. Retrieved on: April 26, 2019 from Cleverism: cleverism.com.
4. "3 Modes Of Thinking: Lateral, Divergent & Convergent Thought" in: Teach Thought. Retrieved on: April 26, 2019 from Teach Thought: teachthought.com.
5. "Convergent thinking" in: Wikipedia. Retrieved on: April 26, 2019 from Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org.