Final answer:
The term that best describes the cognitive process involving the combination of information to create new ideas is Creative thinking. It relates to the skill of synthesis and divergent thinking, allowing for unique and multiple solutions.
The correct option is D.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that best describes a cognitive process that involves combining information to develop new understanding, concepts, or ideas is D. Creative thinking. Creative thinking encompasses synthesis, a skill where information from various sources is combined to create new insights. This type of thinking is also tied to the concept of divergent thinking, which is the ability to think 'outside the box' and generate multiple unique solutions to problems.
In contrast, lateral thinking, stream of consciousness, and conjecture do not specifically describe the synthesis of information to create new understanding. Lateral thinking is about approaching problems from new and different angles, stream of consciousness involves continuous flow of thoughts, and conjecture is more about forming an opinion or conclusion based on incomplete information.
The correct option is D.