The 11 types of thinking (and what each consists of)

Thinking is a cognitive ability that people have, and that allows us to reflect on certain situations, solve problems, discover new things and learn, among other things.

Thinking involves forming ideas (or representations) of reality in the mind, in addition to relating one to another.

But there is not only one type of thought, but several. Each of them has certain characteristics. In this article we will know and explain the 11 most important types of thinking that exist.

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The 11 types of thinking

As we said, there are different types of thinking. This implies that the same way is not always used to reach the same conclusions; that is to say, each one of the types of thought allows to reach the conclusions through one way or another.

In addition, each of them has different characteristics. Let's get to know them below.

1. Deductive thinking

The first of the types of thinking that we are going to explain is the deductive

; It consists of a way of reasoning, which is based on obtaining conclusions from previous general premises. That is, it involves reasoning and drawing conclusions from a series of initial information or statements.

Between this first information and the final conclusion, a series of logical steps take place. This type of thinking goes from the general to the specific. An example of deductive thinking would be the following:

• Premise 1: All animals are living beings. All men are mortal.
• Premise 2: A butterfly is an animal.
• conclusion: A butterfly is a living being.

2. Inductive thinking

Inductive thinking, on the other hand, goes from the specific or particular to the general. It is also called a deductive syllogism. In this case, conclusions are drawn, but more general than in deductive thinking; These, in addition, are obtained from the initial data, which are usually concrete and specific.

This type of thinking is the basis for hypothesis testing, since it allows us to inquire about specific questions. An example of inductive thinking would be the following:

• Premise 1: Friend A, Friend B, and Friend C can use alcohol.
• Premise 2: Friend A, Friend B and Friend C are of legal age.
• Conclusion A: All persons of legal age can consume alcohol.

3. Instinctive thinking

This type of thinking is less influenced by logic and the reason that other types of thinking. It is based on sensations or assumptions. Sometimes people who use instinctive thinking make inferences from the data they have, and end up finding strategies to solve the problem.

That is, it is a thought based on intuition. It can be said that practically all people have used this type of thinking at some time, in situations where they could not apply reason alone.

4. Practical thinking

Practical thinking is based, above all, on perception. An example of this is trial and error techniques, where the person tries different alternatives or strategies to reach a conclusion or solution.

This thought is also sometimes called "common thinking" as it can be used by all people at some point or another. This type of thinking is applied through visualizing the problem and looking for the necessary tools to solve it, even if this implies trying different options.

5. Creative thinking

The next of the types of thinking is creative. This is characterized by being flexible and original, by moving away from the norm and by providing new values. Many authors associate creativity with the optimization of learning.

Creative thinking can be applied to many problems, both in everyday life and in academia; seeks to find a solution where "few have looked."

6. Analog thinking

The next of the types of thinking that we propose is analog. An analogy involves searching a known object for characteristics of an unknown one, establishing a similarity between the two. That is to say, it consists of “looking for the common points” or the similarities in different objects, stimuli, figures, etc.

7. Logical thinking

Logical thinking, as its name suggests, is based on applying logic (and reason) in order to find an efficient solution. It is also based on looking for ideas and developing new ones from them.

In reality, there are authors who consider logical thinking as a type of thinking where other subtypes would be grouped: deductive, inductive and analog thinking (already explained). However, logical thinking can also be considered a type of independent thinking.

8. Systemic thinking

Systems thinking consists of visualizing a situation or a problem in a global way, but taking into account each and every one of the parts that compose it.

Actually, but, it takes more into account the final system that is obtained from different elements. It involves analyzing reality from a macro point of view (vs. micro, which would be typical of analytical thinking).

9. Analytical thinking

Analytical thinking, unlike the previous one, it does focus on analyzing or exploring the role of each of the parts that make up a system. That is, it goes into more detail (micro level).

This type of thinking allows the person to understand a situation or a problem through the organization of its elements in a systematic way. In addition, it establishes what type of interrelationships occur in said system, to understand the entire problem.

10. Deliberative thinking

Deliberative thinking is what helps make decisions; In other words, it allows us to be guided to make a decision. It is based on a series of criteria and values, which the person takes as true; Furthermore, it is based on gathering information to arrive at a specific solution.

This type of thinking, like many of the previous ones, can be applied to different problems, but especially personal ones, since it does not require the use of reason.

11. Interrogative thinking

Interrogative thinking, as its name suggests, generates a series of questions that allow obtaining a solution to a problem. That is to say, it is based on questioning reality, on generating doubts, on considering things, on inducing questions.

It is an ideal type of thinking to empower in children, especially in the age of schooling, since questioning things will create curiosity in them and promote their autonomy in the learning processes.

Bibliographic references

• Carretero, M. and Asensio, M. (coords.) (2004). Thought psychology. Madrid: Editorial Alliance.

• De Vega, M. (1990). Introduction to cognitive psychology. Psychology Alliance. Madrid.

• Fernández, P. and Santamaría, C. (2001). Practical manual of the psychology of thought. Barcelona: Ariel.