What do psychologists mean by “convergent intelligence”?

Convergent intelligence refers specifically to the ability to bring together information and ideas to find the most effective solution to a problem. It involves applying logical reasoning and analytical thinking to arrive at a single best answer or outcome. This form of intelligence is often focused on tasks that have a clear right or wrong answer, such as standardized tests or mathematical problems where the objective is to converge on one solution.

In contrast, the other choices describe different cognitive or emotional processes. Creative thinking, characterized by the ability to generate multiple ideas or solutions, is more aligned with divergent thinking, which encourages exploration and innovation. Social understanding and empathizing with others involve interpersonal and emotional intelligence rather than the analytical problem-solving reflected in convergent intelligence. Therefore, the concept of convergent intelligence is best captured by the focus on deriving one correct answer to specific problems.