Now that we've introduced the concepts of conceptual blocks to creative thinking, let's explore each of these in a little more detail, beginning with the constancy block. The barriers within the constancy block are vertical thinking, as opposed to lateral thinking, and using a single thinking language as opposed to multiple thinking languages. Vertical thinking is being stuck in a certain way of solving a problem. Single thinking language is using only words instead of other possible thinking languages. And I'll give you examples of those in a moment. As we look at the vertical way of thinking versus lateral, the term vertical thinking was coined by Edward de Bono, and I'll compare and contrast those now. Vertical thinking is much like, and will sound much like, the analytical problem solving process that we described earlier in this module. Lateral thinking will be much more characteristic of the creative solving process. So this comparison will give you some sense for the differences between analytical and creative problem solving. Vertical thinking tends to be concerned with continuity. Lateral thinking, with discontinuity. Vertical thinking chooses whereas lateral thinking changes. Vertical thinking will be concerned with stability whereas lateral thinking will be concerned with instability. Vertical thinking searches for what is right whereas lateral thinking will be searching for what's different. Differences drive change and stimulate imagination and creativity. Vertical thinking is very analytical whereas lateral thinking will be very provocative. Vertical thinking is concerned where the idea have come from. The lateral thinking, as you might expect then, focuses on where is the idea going. Analytical thinking develops the idea. Lateral thinking is more concerned about discovering new ideas. So here you see the essence of the difference between, analytical problem solving and lateral thinking. Let's move on now to talk about the multiple thinking languages constancy block. When we're solving problems we typically express those in terms of words. If that's the only language that we use, we miss opportunities to express and develop problems [COUGH] using other thinking languages, like symbols, sense of smell, visual imagery, and feelings and emotions. When we're in groups that are trying to solve problems creatively, we're going to want to try to use all of these techniques to end up with creative solutions to problems. The more languages we use, the more likely we are to come up with a creative solution to the problem. I'd like to close our discussion of the constancy block with a quick mental test. We're frequently stuck in ways of thinking, and this is the classic matchstick problem where you're asked to make this mathematical expression true by moving only one matchstick. If we're stuck in a constancy block, we would have difficulty solving this problem. However, when we begin to use lateral thinking techniques and explore other ways of thinking, we might be able to come up with this solution. As you approach trying to solve problems creatively, be concerned and aware of the pitfalls of constancy conceptual blocks.