Which type of thinking relies most on creativity?

Divergent thinking is the type of thinking that relies most on creativity. It involves generating multiple unique solutions or ideas in response to an open-ended problem. This process encourages looking at situations from various perspectives and exploring a wide range of possibilities, fostering innovation and creative expression.

In contrast, convergent thinking focuses on finding a single correct solution to a problem, often relying on logical reasoning and existing knowledge. Analytical thinking entails breaking down complex information into smaller parts for better understanding, and critical thinking involves evaluating information and arguments to reach a reasoned conclusion. While these forms of thinking may incorporate elements of creativity, they do not emphasize it to the extent that divergent thinking does. Thus, divergent thinking is the approach most closely aligned with creative thinking and idea generation.