I can help you with your question. Based on the information I found on the web, convergent thinking is the type of thinking that focuses on coming up with the single, well-established answer to a problem. It is oriented toward deriving the single best, or most often correct answer to a question. Convergent thinking emphasizes speed, accuracy, and logic and focuses on recognizing the familiar, reapplying techniques, and accumulating stored information. It is most effective in situations where an answer readily exists and simply needs to be either recalled or worked out through decision making strategies.
On the other hand, divergent thinking is a thought process or method used to generate creative ideas by exploring many possible solutions. It typically occurs in a spontaneous, free-flowing, "non-linear" manner, such that many ideas are generated in an emergent cognitive fashion. Many possible solutions are explored in a short amount of time, and unexpected connections are drawn. Following divergent thinking, ideas and information are organized and structured using convergent thinking.
Based on these definitions, it seems that divergent thinking is most likely the method of thinking that Yousra should use if she wants to brainstorm lots of possible answers to a problem. Divergent thinking can help her generate many creative and original ideas without being limited by existing knowledge or conventional solutions. Convergent thinking can be useful after divergent thinking to evaluate and select the best ideas from the brainstorming session.
I hope this helps you understand the difference between convergent and divergent thinking.
Here are some examples based on the information I found on the web:
- Convergent thinking: If you are asked to find the area of a rectangle with a length of 10 cm and a width of 5 cm, you would use convergent thinking to apply the formula A = L x W and get the answer of 50 cm.
- Divergent thinking: If you are asked to come up with as many ways as possible to use a paper clip, you would use divergent thinking to generate creative ideas such as bending it into a hook, a ring, a bookmark, a lock pick, etc.
- Convergent thinking: If you are asked to choose the best answer from four options on a multiple-choice test, you would use convergent thinking to eliminate the wrong options and select the correct one.
- Divergent thinking: If you are asked to write an essay on a topic of your choice, you would use divergent thinking to explore different perspectives, arguments, examples, and styles.
- Convergent thinking: If you are asked to solve a crossword puzzle, you would use convergent thinking to find the words that fit the clues and the grid.
- Divergent thinking: If you are asked to create your own crossword puzzle, you would use divergent thinking to come up with words, clues, and a layout.
I hope these examples help you understand how convergent and divergent thinking can be applied in different situations.