Lateral thinking

Meaning
Lateral thinking is concerned with restructuring patterns developed from vertical thinking in the form of insight and helps in provoking new ones (creativity).

Information processing system

Information system of the mind acts to create patterns and to recognize them. Once the patterns have been formed, the selective mechanism of usefulness (fear, hunger, thirst, etc.) will sort out the patterns and keep those which are useful for survival.
Selective retention of memory we tend to remember only the interesting aspects of our lives

Self-organizing memory system

A fundamental feature of a passive self-organizing memory system is the limited attention span only part of the memory surface can be activated at any one time (jelly illustration, page-29). Which part of the surface comes to be activated depends upon: What is being presented to the surface at the moment What has been presented to the surface just before State of the surface, i.e., what has happened to the surface in the past

With limited attention span the passive self-organizing memory surface also becomes a self-maximizing one. The trouble with a self-maximizing system is that the sequence of arrival of information determines the way it is to be arranged.
Such a system therefore leaves no scope for provocative thinking (creativity)

Humor & Insight

Alternative way of arranging available information involves switch-over to another arrangement. If the switch-over is temporary, it gives rise to humor if its permanent, it gives rise to insight. It is interesting that the reaction to an insight is often laughter even when there is nothing funny about the solution itself. In humor, an expectation is first generated by the way information is put together. Then suddenly this expectation is thwarted but at once one sees that the unexpected development is another way putting things together.
Humor: the Afghan Railway Minister Joke [a demonstration of lateral thinking] Insight presentation on lateral thinking

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Lateral thinking

Vertical
Selective Analytical Sequential One has to be current at every step Uses negative to block certain pathways Concentration on relevance Fixed, categories, classifications & labels Follow most likely paths Finite process

Lateral
Generative Provocative Can make jumps No bar No negative Welcomes chance intrusions Unfixed Least likely Probabilistic

Problem-solving
A problem is simply the difference between what one has and what one wants.

Types of problems
VERTICAL THINKING ORIENTED The problem that requires for its solution more informative and better techniques for handling information.
Routine/daily life problems like repairing a vehicle, selecting a book on information technology

LATERAL THINKING ORIENTED The problem that requires no new information but a rearrangement of available information insight restructuring.
Dealing with a problem student Controlling personal expenses

When one is blocked by adequacy of the present arrangement from moving to a much better one. The problem is to realize that things can be improved.
Self-development education and training Improving living standard of the family

Techniques of lateral thinking

The generation of alternatives
In order to adopt the best approach, loosen up rigid ways of looking at things acquire the habit of restructuring patterns.
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Lateral thinking
Challenge assumptions
While dealing with situations or problems, try to restructure the underlying assumptions (clich patterns) to make better use of available information. Any assumption whatsoever can be challenged. The idea is to allow much freer use of assumptions and clichs without getting imprisoned by them.
Try to use right side of the brain through imaginative thinking Can you make a better living by taking an absolutely new initiative like getting engaged in a part-time supply business?

The blackboard illustration

WHY IS A BLACKBOARD BLACK? Because black is a convenient color to show up white chalk marks ALTERNATIVE Challenge the assumption: it does not have to black; it could be green or blue so long as the white chalk showed.

Purpose of Lateral thinking

The purpose of lateral thinking is not to be right o In vertical thinking we tend to be right all the time: the basis of education The purpose is to be effective o In lateral thinking we tend to be right only at the end
Bio-feedback technique missile hits target after making mistakes

Delay or suspend judgment during generative stage of thinking in order to be applied during the selective stage. Marconi succeeded in transmitting wireless waves across the Atlantic with the erroneous idea that the waves would follow the curvature of the Earth.

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