The Focused and Diffuse Modes of Thinking: Two Modes, Two Pictures

Knowledge lights up our minds: figuratively, of course, but also in the sense that we build new neural pathways when we engage in a dual mode of learning.  There are two main modes in which life-long learners can acquire knowledge: the focused mode and the diffuse mode.  An effective learner trains oneself to toggle between the two modes in order to learn, integrate and retain knowledge.  As you build your ability to develop this “toggling” skill, you will build your capacity to:

1. Learn important concepts/ideas,
2. Develop these concepts/ideas in depth in complexity, and
3. Apply concepts/ideas to diverse disciplines, settings, and circumstances.

Presented below is a delineation of the two modes. Thinking of the focused and diffuse modes as two different perspectives of the same garden may serve as a helpful metaphor as we explore the differences between the two modes.

Focused mode (Small-picture thinking)

Imagine looking at a group of flowers in a garden. You can see a single group of flowers, perhaps even a single flower, in great detail.

Characteristics of the Focused Mode

• Strong focus in a single area, weak in others
• Direct
• Specific
• “Master of one” orientation

Strength: Thinkers who operate chiefly in this mode develop comprehensive mastery in one area.

Weakness: Thinkers can tend to become overly myopic in focus.

Diffuse Mode (Big-picture thinking)

Imagine looking at the garden in its entirety. You can see the whole garden: different flower groups and the waterfall.

Characteristics of the Diffuse Mode:

• Broad focus, not strong in any single area
• Spread Out
• General
• “Jack of all trades” orientation

Strength: Thinkers who operate chiefly in this mode are more creative and can generate unique solutions to problems.

Weakness: Thinkers can tend to be a little too unfocused without a unifying thought to toggle ideas to.

Reference

Oakley, B. (2016). Using the Focused and Diffuse modes-Or, a Little Dali will do You (Lecture Video). Retrieved from: Coursera and University of California San Diego Learning How to Learn Coursera: http://www.coursera.org/learn/learning-how-to-learn