Types of thinking

It is essential to human nature to be able to think critically and creatively. Our ability and
tendency to think critically and carefully takes precedence over content knowledge, not
only in the classroom but in the wider world around us. There are thought to be three
different modes of thinking: lateral, divergent, and convergent thought.
1. Convergent thinking (using logic). This type of thinking is also called critical,
vertical, analytical, or linear thinking. It generally refers to the ability to give the
“correct” answer to standard questions that do not require significant creativity.
This includes most tasks in school and on standardized tests. Convergent
thinking is the type of thinking that focuses on coming up with a single,
well-established answer to a problem. When an individual is using convergent
thinking to solve a problem, they consciously use standards or probabilities to
make judgments.
2. Divergent thinking (using imagination). This type of thinking is also called
creative or horizontal thinking. It is a thought process or method used to generate
creative ideas by exploring many possible solutions. When a student uses
divergent thinking, thoughts typically occur in a spontaneous, free-flowing way.
Many possible solutions are explored in a short amount of time, and unexpected
connections are more easily drawn. After the process of divergent thinking has
been completed, ideas and information are organized and structured using
convergent thinking.
3. Lateral thinking (using both logic and imagination). This type of thinking is
commonly referred to as “thinking outside the box.” It involves solving problems
through an indirect and creative approach, using reasoning that is not
immediately obvious and involving ideas that may not be obtainable by using
only traditional step-by-step logic. To understand lateral thinking, it is necessary
to compare convergent and divergent thinking and build a working relationship
between the two types.

The 7 Types of Thinking (from magnetic memory method.com)

One: Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is about analyzing a number of factors. For example, you can think

about the value of an idea and divide that from the form the idea takes.
Let’s say someone is angry and yells at you about how they want to change. Critical

thinking would allow you to find the value in the suggestion without missing out on it

because the form of address was unfriendly.

Critical thinking helps you differentiate form from content, such as when angry

arguments contain legitimately valuable information.

In other words, critical thinking allows you to place information in context and reason

objectively about it.

Two: Analytical Thinking

Whereas critical thinking helps you evaluate value through analysis, analytical thinking is

about examining the parts of an argument. It looks much more closely at the process.

Analytical thinking typically involves research. As an analytical thinker, you will not be

satisfied by the data at hand. You will seek multiple examples so that you can compare

and contrast the multiple parts of several examples or case studies.

To improve in this area, developing your reflective thinking skills will be of tremendous

value.

Three: Creative Thinking

Edward de Bono is widely considered one of the leaders in the field of creative thinking.

For him, it was a process of discovering solutions that are not obvious under normal

circumstances.

To help people, de Bono developed a number of processes, most famously lateral

thinking.

According to Edward de Bono, creative thinking is like digging holes laterally, rather than

merely vertically.

You can visualize this form of metacognition by thinking about digging holes. As de

Bono points out, most people dig one hole and if they don’t find the answer they’re

looking for, they dig another hole in a different location.

Lateral thinking, on the other hand, digs tunnels in sideways and diagonal patterns.

Moreover, it does not throw the dirt away as if it were obscuring the solution. It finds

new ways to use the dirt.

If you want to improve your creative thinking, de Bono’s practices are useful to look into.

However, it’s important to note that “creative” isn’t quite the right word because no one

is “creating” anything new. It’s more about using existing processes in unique ways to

generate new ideas that you would not reveal any other way.
Four: Abstract Thinking

Abstract thinking begins with symbols.

For example, there’s no reason why the shape of the letter ‘A’ should be pronounced as

we use it in English. In fact, it’s pronounced quite differently in, say, German.

The ability to understand that fact is a simple example of abstract thinking. Later, the

use of ‘A’ as a symbol in logical and math provides a more complex example.

Jean Piaget is a major influence on the description of this technique. As he pointed out

in his theory of cognitive development, children start developing basic symbolic thinking

abilities between the ages of 2 and 7.

Between 7 and 11 they move on to develop logical reasoning abilities. Basically,

everything after that is devoted to abstract thinking, and we do not stop until death.

To improve your abstract thinking abilities, study subject areas like:

● Math
● Philosophy
● Game theory
● Logical thinking
● Play with figurative language
● Practice visualization meditation
● Use a Memory Palace
● Learn other languages
Five: Concrete Thinking

Concrete thinking is about taking the world literally – or seeking ways to do so. It’s also

called literal thinking.

This kind of thinking leads you to ask for specific examples. If someone makes a claim,

you want to know what makes it true, why the evidence actually supports the argument

and how exactly it does so.

Concrete thinking requires evidence. The more substantial, the better.

Sometimes people avoid concrete thinking because they don’t want to appear stubborn.

However, we need more people to insist on evidence that supports the claims people

through around, well… concretely.

To improve in this area, ask lots of questions of the who, what, when, where and why

variety. And follow-up by applying some of the characteristics of analytical thinking,

such as performing due diligence with your own research.

ames like Hunt a Killer where you solve crimes based solely on the evidence provided.