Defining and measuring inventive thinking: A scoping review

Abstract

This scoping review examines how inventive thinking has been defined and measured across the literature. The review synthesizes conceptual and methodological approaches to inventive thinking and identifies how researchers have operationalized the construct in educational, cognitive, and applied contexts. By mapping existing definitions and measures, the article clarifies overlaps and distinctions between inventive thinking and related constructs such as creativity, problem solving, innovation, and higher-order cognition. The review highlights the need for clearer construct boundaries and more consistent measurement practices to support future research and educational applications.