Phases of divergent thinking

Abstract

Twenty-one subjects were given the divergent thinking task of listing green, funny, and liquid objects and asked to think aloud. Their protocols were analysed and five phases and 23 sub-phases of divergent thinking were identified. Ideating was found to be the most commonly utilised phase. Its frequency was negatively correlated with problem structuring and feeling, and positively with evaluating. The most common transitions from each of the five phases were identified, and several recursive problem solving paths were constructed. Contrary to the general presumption of sequentiality among phases of divergent thinking, no notable sequentiality was found. Creative solutions tended to be proceded by redifinition of constraints, listing activity, and playful elaboration of a solution more often than "objective" solutions.