Final answer:
Creativity, or divergent thinking, is the ability to think 'outside the box' and create multiple, unique solutions to problems. It contrasts with convergent thinking, which seeks a single, correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
Creativity, also known as divergent thinking, is the ability to look at a given situation or problem in a non-traditional way. This type of thinking is associated with the ability to generate multiple unique solutions to a problem as opposed to convergent thinking, which focuses on finding a single, well-established answer.
Divergent thinking promotes flexibility and enables individuals to approach problems from various perspectives, thereby validating different approaches. Synthesis is a skill linked to divergent thinking, where information from different sources is combined to elicit new meanings and perspectives. Creative intelligence involves using this thinking style to produce novel ideas and solutions.
Creativity is not confined to the arts. It's a form of intelligence that can inspire people to make new discoveries across diverse fields. People with higher levels of creativity tend to derive solutions from intense knowledge, seek expert advice, and are not averse to taking risks to come up with novel solutions.