We explain what creative thinking is and what its characteristics and stages are. Also, how is it different from critical thinking.
What is creative thinking?
creative thinking is the ability to process and reformulate information in original, flexible and fluid ways. It is used in the production of something new, in the modification of existing elements or in solving problems in an innovative way.
creative thinking revolves around the inventive capacity of human beings and their imagination which allows you to develop tools, different ways of thinking and survival strategies, and even ask yourself complex questions and transform reality.
This type of thinking It is not limited to artistic creativity nor is it a special talent but that all people can learn or improve their creative potential. In addition, it can be stimulated and developed through various techniques, such as lateral thinking exercises, brainstormingsimulation games, metaphors, analogies, among others.
See also: Divergent thinking
Characteristics of creative thinking
The general characteristics of creative thinking are:
- Although it tends to be original, that is, to generate new mental content, it always starts from something previous.
- It requires an abundant flow of information, since greater data management provides greater possibilities for inspiration.
- Produces new perspectives and ways of thinking, questioning, associating and combining ideas.
- It offers revolutionary solutions to an established problem.
- Fully develops the content of new ideas and is able to foresee their conclusions and applications.
- It can develop in a disorganized or non-linear way. Ideas can arise unexpectedly and require revisions throughout the process.
- It is linked to the arts and aesthetic work, but it is also found in technological innovation, in the scientific field and even in everyday life issues.
What are people with creative thinking like?
The main characteristics of people with creative thinking are:
- Curiosity. It is the interest in discovering and exploring new topics, which leads to asking questions and seeking various answers.
- Sensitivity. It refers to the ability to observe and perceive details, and remain receptive to the emotions of other people.
- Flexibility. It is the possibility of considering different perspectives and adapting behavior to different scenarios or changing situations.
- Originality. It is the ability to have your own and innovative ideas, which differ from the conventional.
- Imagination. It is about creating mental images or impressions and experimenting with ideas that are not part of reality.
- Synthesis capacity. It is the ability to connect concepts, find patterns and establish relationships from different elements.
Development of the creative process
There are several approaches that describe the development of creative processes. One of the most widespread is the model proposed by the British sociologist Graham Wallas (1858-1932), which consists of four stages:
1. Preparation or research
Preparation or research is the initial stage of the project, in which fundamental information regarding the topic is collected. It involves digging deeper, looking for details, and defining the problem or situation to establish a solid foundation. It can be compared to preparing the soil and providing the right conditions for sowing a seed.
2. Incubation
Once the initial information has been collected and the necessary mental state has been acquired, creativity continues its march in a less obvious way, linked to the unconscious and the imperceptible. It's about allowing ideas to mature. At this stage of incubation, it seems as if the person is making no effort. It is comparable to the moment of germination, when seeds grow underground.
3. Lighting
The illumination stage represents the moment in which a flash, a vision or a manifestation of the novel idea occurs. It is associated with the moment when a plant emerges from the ground and begins to sprout.
4. Verification
In the verification stage, the idea is evaluated and materialized, which again requires conscious work. How to carry it out is analyzed and the necessary tests and adjustments are made. This stage is analogous to the time when the plant flowers or bears fruit.
Examples of creative thinking
Some examples of creative thinking are:
- Works of art and aesthetic representations. Paintings, stories, poems, songs, dances, plays.
- The original recipes. Gastronomic recipes, manufacturing of ingredients, preparation of materials.
- Scientific solutions. Mathematical theorems, revolutionary ideas, innovative perspectives.
- The fantasies. Dreams and children's games.
Critical thinking and creative thinking
Critical thinking and creative thinking have different focuses and objectives, so are often considered antagonistic.
Creative thinking is divergent, meaning it focuses on the exploration of multiple possibilities. On the contrary, critical thinking focuses on the object analyzed and applies analytical and rational methods to its study.
However, both ways of thinking are complementary because they constitute two necessary approximations to reality. Creativity allows you to generate new ideas, while critical thinking collaborates in their effective implementation.
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References
- De Cássia Moura de Carvalho, T., De Souza Fleith, D. and Da Silva Almeida, L. (2021). Development of creative thinking in the educational field. Latin American Journal of Educational Studies17(1), 164-187. https://revistasojs.ucaldas.edu.co
- Waisburd Jinich, G. (2009). Creative thinking and innovation. University Digital Magazine10(12). https://www.revista.unam.mx
