Module 34: Thinking, Concepts, and Creativity

Cognition

all the mental activities associated with thinking, knowing, remembering, and communicating

concepts

a mental grouping of similar objects, events, ideas, or people

prototypes

a mental image or best example of a category. Matching new items to a prototype provides a quick and easy method for sorting items into categories (as when comparing feathered creatures to a prototypical bird, such as a robin)

creativity

the ability to produce new and valuable ideas

convergent thinking

narrowing the available problem solutions to determine the single best solution (con = the same as others)

divergent thinking

expanding the number of possible solutions; creative thinking that diverges in different locations (different from others)

5 Components of Creativity (by Robert Sternberg)

1. Expertise

2. Imaginative thinking skills

3. a venturesome personality

4. Intrinsic motivation

5. A creative environment

Boosting creativity

1. develop your expertise

2. allow time for incubation

3. set aside time for the mind to roam freely

4. experience other cultures and ways of thinking