Final answer:
Divergent thinking is a process that enables the generation of numerous unique solutions to a problem, emphasizing creativity and the ability to produce a variety of alternatives. It is the opposite of convergent thinking, which seeks a single, correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
Thinking that produces a variety of fresh and diverse possibilities is called divergent thinking. Divergent thinking is associated with creativity and involves generating multiple unique solutions to a problem, contrasting with convergent thinking, which focuses on finding a single, correct solution. The process of synthesis, which integrates information from various sources to create a new understanding, is one aspect of divergent thinking. This type of thinking is essential in brainstorming alternative solutions, where the widest variety of ideas needs to be explored.
Creativity itself is a form of intelligence and involves not only the arts but every discipline. It enables the discovery of new ideas, solutions, and possibilities. Approaching a problem from multiple directions promotes flexibility and validation, allowing for outside-the-box thinking and enhancements in problem-solving abilities, especially as teenagers develop cognitively.