Comparing the Attributes, Activities, and Performance of Divergent, Convergent, and Combination Thinkers

Abstract

Studies about the nature of the creative problem solving (CPS) process and about the cognitive and personality attributes and performance of persons who do CPS have focused primarily on the divergent thinking aspects of CPS and the attributes of persons who are inclined to divergent thinking. However, a matching theory proposes that tasks vary widely in the degree to which they require differing kinds of thought and prior knowledge, and problem solvers vary widely in their inclinations and resources; hence, different persons, groups, and organizations can most effectively and efficiently solve different kinds of problems. To begin identifying good matches of tasks and workers, this study measured several cognitive and personality attributes and the CPS activities and performance of persons inclined to divergent or convergent thought. Most predicted differences in the attributes, activities, and performance of the 3 types of thinkers were found. A content analysis of group attempts to creatively solve a multifaceted problem demonstrated the need for frequent convergent thought as well as divergent thought by persons so engaged. Implications and needed extensions of this research are discussed with the aim of using the matching theory to enhance real-world CPS efforts.