What thinking approach combines new ideas with existing knowledge to generate alternatives?

The thinking approach that combines new ideas with existing knowledge to generate alternatives is best described as Creative Thinking. This method emphasizes the importance of innovation and imagination, allowing individuals to explore novel concepts while leveraging their foundational understanding of a subject. By merging fresh perspectives with established knowledge, Creative Thinking fosters a dynamic environment for idea generation, making it crucial for developing unique solutions and alternatives.

This approach encourages open-mindedness and the ability to connect disparate thoughts, resulting in a rich pool of potential outcomes. In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of cognitive processes. Decision Making is primarily concerned with selecting the best option from alternatives, while Problem Solving is about finding a viable solution to a specific issue. Analytical Thinking emphasizes structured reasoning and critical evaluation of information rather than the open-ended exploration of ideas that characterizes Creative Thinking.