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

Thought is a cognitive capacity that people have, which 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, as well as relating to each other.

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 thought that exist.

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, each of the types of thought allows conclusions to be reached through one way or another.

In addition, each of them has different characteristics. Let’s meet them next.

1. Deductive thinking

The first of the types of thought that we are going to explain is the deductive.It consists of a form of reasoning, which is based on drawing conclusions from previous general premises. In other words, it involves reasoning and drawing conclusions from a series of initial information or statements.

Between this first information and the final conclusion, there are a series of logical steps. This kind of thinking goes from the general to the specific. An example of deductive thinking would be as follows:

• Premise 1All animals are living beings. All men are mortal.
• Premise 2A butterfly is an animal.
• ConclusionA 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 deductive syllogism. In this case, conclusions are drawn, but more general than in deductive thinking; these, moreover, are obtained from initial data, which are usually concrete and specific.

This type of thinking is the basis of hypothesis testing, as it allows us to inquire into specific questions. An example of inductive thinking would be as follows:

• Premise 1Friend A, friend B and friend C may consume alcohol.
• Premise 2Friend A, friend B and friend C are of legal age.
• Conclusion AEveryone over the age of 18 can consume alcohol.

3. Instinctive thinking

This kind of thinking has less influence of logic and reason than other kinds of thinking. It’s 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.

I mean, it’s a thought based on intuition. It can be said that practically all people have used this kind of thinking at some time, in situations where they could not apply reason on their own.

4. Practical thinking

Practical thinking is based, above all, on perception. An example of this are 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,” because everyone can use it at one time or another. This type of thinking is applied by visualizing the problems and looking for the tools needed to solve them, even if it means trying different options.

5. Creative thinking

The next type of thinking is creative. This is characterised by its flexibility and originality, its departure from the norm and its contribution of new values.. Many authors relate creativity to the optimization of learning.

Creative thinking can be applied to numerous problems, both in everyday life and in academia; it seeks to find a solution where “few have sought”.

6. Analog thinking

The following of the types of thought that we propose is the analogical one. An analogy implies searching in a known object, characteristics of another unknown, establishing a similarity between both. In other words, it consists of “searching for common points” or similarities in different objects, stimuli, figures, etc.

7. Logical thinking

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

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

8. Systemic thinking

Systemic 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 account of the final system that is obtained from different elements. It implies 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, focuses 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 problem through the organization of its elements in a systematic way. In addition, it establishes what kind of interrelationships occur in that system, in order to understand the whole problem.

10. Deliberative thinking

Deliberative thinking is what helps you make decisionsthat is to say, it allows to guide us until the taking of a decision. It is based on a series of criteria and values, which the person takes as true; moreover, it is based on gathering information in order to arrive at a concrete solution.

This type of thinking, like many of the above, 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 own name indicates, generates a series of questions that allow to obtain a solution to a problem. That is to say, it is based on questioning reality, on generating doubts, on posing things, on inducing questions.

This is an ideal type of thinking to empower children, especially in the time of schooling, as questioning things will create curiosity in them and encourage their autonomy in learning processes.

Bibliographic references

• Carretero, M. and Asensio, M. (coords.) (2004). Psychology of thought. Madrid: Alianza Editorial.

• De vega, M. (1990). Introduction to Cognitive Psychology. Psychology Alliance. Madrid

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