Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) Practice Exam

Which technique helps to generate a diverse range of ideas in a brainstorming session?

1. Divergence

2. Convergence

3. Feedback loops

4. Iterative testing

The correct answer is: Divergence

Divergence is the technique that aids in generating a diverse range of ideas during a brainstorming session. It involves encouraging participants to think broadly and explore various possibilities without initially judging or evaluating the ideas presented. This phase is crucial in fostering creativity, as it allows individuals to express unique perspectives and innovative concepts freely. The emphasis on quantity over quality during divergence helps to build a robust pool of ideas from which more focused discussions and selections can later occur. In contrast, convergence is more about narrowing down those ideas to identify the best solutions, which typically occurs after the divergence phase. Feedback loops and iterative testing refer to processes that involve refining ideas and solutions through continuous evaluation and adjustment rather than generating new ideas. Hence, divergence stands out as the vital component in brainstorming focused on idea generation.