5

Types of
Thinking
Activating
the
Thinking
potential
 ANALYTICAL and SYSTEMS THINKING

Analytical thinking takes something apart, system thinking understands

what the thing is a part of. Analytical Thinking identifies the properties and
behaviors of the parts taken separately, System Thinking understands the
behavior of the bigger whole which the thing is a part of.
Left Brain and Right Brain Theory
by Roger W. Sperry

Analytical Creative
 Analytical & Creative Thinking

Creative Analytical
Divergent Convergent
Possibilities Probabilities
Imagination Sequence
Intuitive Logical
Heart-centered Rational
Diffused Focused
Subjective Objective
Answers Single answer
Analytical & Creative Thinking

Creative Analytical
How can I make it
faster? How do it work?
Or Or
What are the new What’s wrong with it?
ways to use it?
Analytical Thinking
• Focusing on facts and evidence
• Analyzing data or information or systems
• Dissecting data/information and the analysis of complex things into simpler
constituents
• Reasoning – thinking that is coherent and logical
• Partitioning, breakdown – an analysis into mutually exclusive categories
• Eliminating extraneous data or analysis of a problem into alternative
possibilities followed by the systematic rejection of unacceptable
alternatives
• Analyzing trends or the analysis of changes over time
Lateral Thinking
• Reviewing issues and problems in terms of what might be missing or absent
• Looking at an issue or problem from a variety of different or unusual angles
• Reversing an issue or problem/challenge to look for a new solution
• Finding and evaluating more than one potential solution to an issue or
challenge
• Rearranging a problem to see if new angles may be discovered
• Delaying judgment and maintaining an open mind
• Removing any stereotypical or cliché patterns of thought or knowledge

•Step 1: List all your assumptions on a topic

•Step 2: Reverse each assumption
•Step 3: Think of ways to make those reversed assumptions possible
 Modes of thinking

Divergent thinking typically

Convergent thinking is the
occurs in a spontaneous,
type of thinking that
free-flowing, ‘non-linear’
focuses on coming up with
manner, such that many
the single, well-established
ideas are generated in an
answer to a problem.
emergent cognitive fashion.

Divergent vs Convergent Thinking : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F20PMcYnKcs

5 types of Thinking Creatively

o Divergent Thinking - the exploration of many solutions

o Lateral Thinking - the ability to come up with out-of-the-box, innovative ideas
o Aesthetic Thinking - the knowledge to create art and beauty
o Systems Thinking - the ability to see how things are interrelated and form a larger “whole”
o Inspirational Thinking – eureka movements
“Eureka moments” are when we see the future, solving
problems in new ways, recognizing new opportunities to
innovate and grow.
 Case Study: Eureka Moments that inspired business ideas

•Dietmar Mateschitz was

exhausted after a long flight. A
waitress suggested Krating
Daeng, made with bull’s testicles.
It tasted so good he took the
recipe back to Austria, launching
Brian Chesky thought of renting
his own brand of energy drink.
Jan Koum (founder) could not his air mattress plus coffee and
afford to call his dad in Ukraine pastries for breakfast to subsidize
his apartment.

https://www.businessinsider.in/the-eureka-moments-of-the-worlds-greatest-entrepreneurs/articleshow/49721435.cms
 Case Study: Eureka Moments that inspired business ideas

Ingvar Kampard (founder) bought

a table but had to cut the legs off

GO Pro cos it does not fit his car

Telegraph
Inconvenience was the inpiration Tragedy inspired Samuel Morse
for Nick Woodman (founder). He (founder) to create the telegraph
went surfing and could not take a because he found out about the
picture of himself death of his wife too late

https://www.businessinsider.in/the-eureka-moments-of-the-worlds-greatest-entrepreneurs/articleshow/49721435.cms
https://blog.adioma.com/aha-moments-for-entrepreneurs-infographic /
Can creativity be learned?
Stimulating divergent Thinking

Collaborate
and celebrate Seek wild ideas
differences (6 thinking hats)

embrace
Encourage play failure

Play devil’s
advocate Reverse the
questions

Embrace
creative
Switch
constraint
perspectives
Six Thinking Hats
https://blog.mindvalley.com/types-of-thinking/
SYNTHESIZING
Rational and Intuitive Thinking
Summary and
Synthesis
SUMMARY
• Summary relates key information from a source without adding
personal interpretation.

• When referring to a work of fiction, the summary may include an

explanation of the plot, character, or author’s biography.

• For scientific works, you might summarize how a particular study was
conducted, who participated in the testing, or other relevant details that
are not common knowledge.

• Summarizing is providing facts based on the given information, and details.

 SYNTHESIS

• Synthesis shows how ideas are related or work together across multiple
sources.

• Synthesizing is to form (a material or abstract entity) by combining parts

or elements to create a new statement.

• Sometimes, this reinforces what we know or merges existing knowledge

with a new perspective or line of thinking.

• A good way to start synthesis is by asking what meaning or conclusion can

be drawn from the collected sources or data?”
 Summary and Synthesis

Statement:
In our local grocery store, there are plenty of bananas, apples, peaches, melons,
carrots, cucumbers, lettuce, tomatoes, radish, and onions.

Summary:
There are a lot of fruits and vegetables in our local grocery store.

Synthesis:
If you are looking to start a healthy diet, you should shop in our local grocery store.
Summary and Synthesis

Synthesize = Summarization + background knowledge + merging thinking

(inner voice)
ACTIVITY
In Boracay, the shore is blessed with a long stretch of powdery white sand. The island
has many tourist spots. The visitors can select from a variety of water activities such as island
hopping, helmet, and scuba diving, snorkeling, cliff diving, parasailing, and the most popular,
Paraw sailing which uses a small traditional boat called “paraw” to cruise and experience a
relaxing time on the peaceful water.

Aside from the beach, the island has numerous restaurants that serve both casual and
fine-dining meals from pork meat to lobsters and other seafood selections. There are also plenty
of establishments such as bars and clubs for beach parties and enjoyment at night. Hotel
accommodations range from budget to five-star hotels.

In January, the locals celebrate the Ati-atihan Festival in which they showcase their
colorful decorations. Also, in January, the Boracay International Funboard Cup, a leg of the Asian
Windsurfing Tour is held. During March and April, the island hosts Boracay Dive Olympics. And in
May, the Love Boracay is observed, a weeklong celebration of local rehabilitation efforts.