The Function Synthesis Task: Uniting Divergent and Convergent Thinking with a Novel Integrative Thinking Measure of Creativity

Divergent and convergent thinking have dominated creativity research. However, creative thinking constructs may not be limited to just these two. Here, we developed a new creative thinking measurement – Function Synthesis Task (FST)—by integrating classic divergent (Alternative Uses Task, AUT) and convergent thinking (Compound Remote Associate Test, CRAT) measurements. We collected performance in AUT, CRAT, and FST, and analysed data using Pearson correlation analysis and exploratory factor analysis. The result shows that FST did not share variance with CRAT, and shared limited variance with AUT. AUT and CRAT also did not share variance, aligning with the literature. We suggest future directions in theoretical and methodological development of the FST and its potential link to integrative thinking. We also discuss practical implications of the FST.