Learn Better with Diffuse Thinking

Maximizing your learning efficiency can help you take on new topics with confidence. While studying for an exam or completing a professional task, you might have experienced feeling “stuck” on a problem or topic. It might seem natural to overcome this block by becoming more focused, but combining two different types of thinking can be more effective than concentrating on studying alone. These types of thinking, focused and diffuse, are two ways we process information and develop solutions.

Discover diffuse thinking, how it compares to focused thinking, and which type is best for learning.

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What is diffuse thinking?

Diffuse thinking happens when you relax your mind and allow yourself to have wandering thoughts. Many people experience this type of thinking when they “zone out” on long drives, daydream, or have wandering ideas in the shower. Diffuse thinking is the opposite of focused thinking, which is a highly attentive state of mind.

You can consider diffuse thinking as taking a birds-eye view of the topic or problem and letting your mind wander freely to make subconscious connections. These connections can help you develop creative solutions outside of a hyper-focused view. Many people naturally go into diffuse thinking when they stop concentrating on work-related tasks. If you have ever had an idea or solution come to you when you weren’t paying attention to it, that is an example of diffuse thinking.

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Diffuse thinking vs. focused thinking 

Diffuse thinking and focused thinking are two types of thinking that work together to help you solve problems and learn new information.

Focused thinking requires focusing on the task and relying on the information you have previously learned to help with new concepts. This is considered the "correct" way to learn and involves listening, reading, and processing information. Focused thinking uses existing neural pathways and thought patterns, which can help you take the necessary steps to analyze information.

Diffuse thinking, on the other hand, involves taking a step back and letting your mind process new information in the background. This can help your mind avoid being too narrowly focused on a particular concept and allow creative connections to form.

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Differences in problem-solving techniques 

Focused thinking and diffuse thinking are both vital for problem-solving. Focused thinking helps us solve problems in the “traditional” way—think careful listening and note-taking. With focused thinking, you solve problems using your existing knowledge and skills. This type of thinking often relies on conscious thought patterns. 

Diffuse thinking lets your brain mull over new concepts while you focus on other things. This helps form new neural connections and invokes creativity. You'll typically use this thinking when you try new things and activate your brain in different ways, such as trying a new skill or hobby. When you go back to focused thinking, you may have new ideas.

Focused thinking:

• Detailed-oriented

• Uses existing knowledge

• Concentrated

• Analyzes information

Diffuse thinking:

• Big-picture view

• Passive learning

• New connections

• Internalizes learned information

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Which thought technique is better for learning?

While you may think one type of thought pattern is more ideal to the other, the most powerful learning potential will come from combining the two. By cycling between focused and diffuse thinking, you allow your mind to concentrate on learning the information and then let your creativity shine through by taking a step back and allowing yourself to process all of it.

Diffuse thinking is best used to internalize and make connections with information you've learned through focused thinking. If you don't concentrate on the material and learn it initially, your brain may not have a firm enough grasp on the material to make new connections and let creativity shine during diffuse thinking. 

However, when you use focused thinking alone to learn new material or solve a problem, you might experience the Einstellung Effect. This happens when you're too focused on your existing knowledge, and it becomes difficult to see past your current perceptions to approach topics in new ways. When you combine focused and diffuse thinking, you help yourself break away from common patterns and keep an open mind during the learning process. 

As you can see, both thought processes work together, and you may do your best learning by cycling between the two thought patterns.

Combining both thought techniques 

Combining thought techniques is considered ideal for learning new information. You can practice this by taking breaks in between studying new material. For example, you may spend a few hours reading a textbook or listening to lectures. When you take notes and carefully interpret information, you are using focused thinking. 

After this, take a break for a few hours or a night’s sleep to let your brain use diffuse thinking. You might find your thoughts wandering around the topic you just learned, but try not to focus too much on the information. When you go back to studying, you may understand the material more deeply than before.

How to encourage diffuse thinking

When learning a new topic or solving a complex problem, taking a break and focusing on other topics can be challenging. Try diffuse thinking by participating in a hobby you enjoy or simply changing your environment. Great options to encourage diffuse thinking include:

• Going on a walk

• Reading a book

• Playing a sport

• Playing a board game or card game

• Meditating

• Taking a nap or night’s sleep

• Taking a shower or bath

It may help to set a timer when you're learning new material to encourage yourself to take a break. Consider the “Pomodoro Technique,” which involves setting a 25-minute timer for work and then taking a five-minute break.

Next steps 

Integrating diffuse thinking into your learning process can enhance the way you retain information. Consider trying new routines that incorporate both focused and diffuse thinking into your study habits to maximize the benefits of both learning styles.

Continue to explore this topic with courses on Coursera taught by prestigious universities and industry leaders. As you begin, consider taking Creative Thinking: Techniques and Tools for Success by Imperial College London or Critical Thinking Skills for the Professional by the University of California, Davis.