A core executive function enabling flexible updating of cognitive representations and strategies based on feedback, critical for adapting to novel or changing situations. The opposite is known cognitive rigidity, the tendency to perseverate on a specific pattern of thought or behavior. Not to be confused with: psychological flexibility Not to be confused with: neural flexibility

Convergent thinking: cognition used to arrive at a single, correct solution to a well-defined problem. Involves logical reasoning, analysis, and evaluation to narrow down possibilities to the most appropriate answer. Often measured through traditional intelligence tests.

Divergent thinking: cognition used to generate multiple creative ideas by exploring many possible solutions. Characterized by fluency (many ideas), flexibility (different categories of ideas), originality (unique ideas), and elaboration (developing ideas). Often measured using tasks like the Unusual Uses Task and is strongly associated with creativity.

Not to be confused with: cognitive flexibility
Not to be confused with: psychological flexibility