Glossary
Algorithm
A methodical, step-by-step procedure that guarantees a solution to a particular problem.
Example:
When assembling a complex piece of furniture, following the exact instructions in the manual is an algorithm that ensures the furniture is built correctly.
Convergent Thinking
A type of thinking that focuses on finding the single best or most correct solution to a problem, often used in logical or standardized tests.
Example:
Solving a multiple-choice math problem where only one answer is correct requires convergent thinking.
Creative Environment
A component of creativity referring to a supportive and stimulating setting that fosters the development and expression of creative ideas.
Example:
A company that encourages employees to dedicate a portion of their time to personal projects provides a creative environment.
Creativity
The ability to produce ideas that are both novel and valuable, often involving thinking in unconventional ways.
Example:
A musician composing a completely new genre of music demonstrates high creativity.
Deductive Reasoning
A type of reasoning that moves from general principles or premises to specific, logical conclusions.
Example:
Knowing that all birds have feathers (general principle) and that a robin is a bird, you can deductively reason that a robin has feathers.
Divergent Thinking
A type of thinking that involves exploring multiple possible solutions or ideas for a problem, characteristic of creative brainstorming.
Example:
When asked to list as many uses as possible for a brick, generating dozens of unique ideas demonstrates divergent thinking.
Expertise
A component of creativity referring to the accumulated knowledge and skills in a particular domain.
Example:
A chef with years of experience in French cuisine possesses the expertise to invent new dishes within that culinary tradition.
Fixation
The inability to see a problem from a fresh perspective, often leading to a narrow focus on familiar solutions.
Example:
When trying to open a stubborn jar, someone might experience fixation by only trying to twist the lid, failing to consider tapping it or running it under warm water.
Heuristic
A mental shortcut or 'rule of thumb' that allows for quick problem-solving, though it may be prone to errors.
Example:
When trying to find a specific book in a large library, first checking the section for its genre (e.g., 'Fantasy') is a heuristic that quickly narrows down the search.
Imaginative Thinking Skills
A component of creativity involving the ability to be open-minded, see things in new ways, and generate novel ideas.
Example:
An architect who can envision a building that blends seamlessly with nature, despite traditional designs, demonstrates strong imaginative thinking skills.
Inductive Reasoning
A type of reasoning that moves from specific observations or examples to broader generalizations or conclusions.
Example:
Observing that every cat you've ever met loves to nap leads you to the general conclusion that all cats love to nap through inductive reasoning.
Insight
The sudden realization of a solution to a problem, often described as an 'Aha!' moment.
Example:
After struggling with a crossword puzzle for hours, the answer to a difficult clue might suddenly come to you in a flash of insight.
Intelligence
A component of creativity, suggesting a certain level of cognitive ability is necessary for creative work (threshold theory).
Example:
While not the sole factor, a scientist's high intelligence provides the foundational understanding needed to develop groundbreaking theories.
Intrinsic Motivation
A component of creativity referring to the drive to engage in an activity for its own sake, out of personal interest and satisfaction.
Example:
A painter who creates art purely for the joy of expression, rather than for fame or money, is driven by intrinsic motivation.
Intuition
An automatic, gut feeling or thought that arises without conscious reasoning, often based on past experiences.
Example:
A seasoned firefighter might have an intuition about which way a fire will spread, even before fully analyzing the situation.
Mental set
The tendency to approach new problems using strategies that have worked in the past, even if they are not optimal for the current situation.
Example:
A student who always studies for history tests by memorizing dates might struggle with an essay-based history exam due to their ingrained mental set.
Trial and error
A problem-solving method that involves trying different approaches until a successful solution is found.
Example:
A toddler learning to stack blocks might use trial and error, trying various ways to place them until they balance.
Venturesome Personality
A component of creativity characterized by a willingness to take risks, persevere through challenges, and try new things.
Example:
An entrepreneur who launches a startup in an unproven market shows a venturesome personality.